Insights from a new Waltham study may make mealtime easier for owners of older or fussy cats. And the answer could be as simple as warming their food. 

The research team wanted to find out if the temperature of wet food could make it more alluring to older cats as results from previous published research suggested, and if so, understand why.  

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Pet obesity data can paint a concerning picture, as the figures show that the number of overweight pets is still on the rise. But data can also help researchers and veterinarians find new ways to fight and prevent the disease.

Our researchers, together with veterinarians and data scientists across Mars Petcare, are using data to better understand how widespread and dangerous pet obesity is. They are also using data insights to build solutions that can help veterinary teams and owners prevent such a serious health issue. 
 

Download the infographic Learn more about pet obesity

Decades of research have shown us that the special bond we share with animals is as nuanced as it is rewarding. At a time when the global pandemic continues to keep us physically apart from loved ones, we’re committed to better understanding the science behind the human-animal bond and how it can help address societal challenges such as social isolation and loneliness.

Read the special issue  Learn about the human-animal bond

In a new study published in The Veterinary Journal, researchers from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, explored the association between periodontal disease onset and dog breed size, confirming  that smaller dog breeds were more predisposed than larger breeds to develop periodontal disease. 

Read the study Download the infographic How to keep your pets' teeth healthy

At Mars Petcare, we’re dog lovers, and our teams are obsessed with learning as much as we can to offer dogs the best life possible. 

Investing in research for over fifty years has led to big scientific discoveries that has taught us the important role nutrition can play in helping pets live a long and healthy life. 

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In the first real-world study of its kind, researchers at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute and Kinship’s Pet Insight Project have used deep learning technology and pet activity tracker, Whistle™, to identify normal dog behaviours and activities, as well as those associated with common canine conditions. 

Read the study Join the Pet Insight Project

Millions of people around the world had been suffering from loneliness and social isolation even before the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the pandemic has only exacerbated this critical issue with 2020 figures show a considerable rise in the number of people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety across the world. 

Existing research suggests owning or interacting with pets may benefit the mental and physical health of people of all ages:

INFOGRAPHIC: The benefits of pet ownership for healthy active aging INFOGRAPHIC: How pets can benefit our mental and physical health

Science is about constantly expanding our knowledge and understanding. At Waltham, our research is focused on uncovering how we can help improve the lives and health of pets. Although, perhaps not the most exciting topic to some, the key nutrients in our diets are critical for health. This is even more true for pets who are fed complete and balanced meals. This means that all the nutrients they are every day provided are at the correct levels – not too much, but not too little.

More about Pet Nutrition Scientific publications

Environmental and food allergies are the most common cause of skin conditions affecting cats and dogs worldwide. While the main symptom in most pets is itching, cats and dogs react differently to skin allergies. Dogs scratch and lick their skin, coat or paws to reduce itchiness, and cats usually overgroom; licking their skin to the point of redness and hair loss.