Avaliação do perfil alimentar e dos indicadores de bem-estar de gatos no município de Maceió, AL

Abstract

Pet owners are becoming increasingly demanding regarding the health and longevity of their animals, and nutrition plays a fundamental role in this context. The importance of the consumer market in the pet food sector, combined with the lack of information related to product commercialization in some regions of Brazil, has aroused researchers’ interest in studies aimed at characterizing pet food consumption and feeding profiles. Therefore, this study aimed to diagnose consumption patterns and evaluate the feeding profile of domiciled cats in the municipality of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. A total of 250 structured questionnaires were applied using the survey method, containing multiple-choice questions directed to pet owners. Characteristics investigated included feeding profile, consumption frequency, type of food, and purchase criteria. Data were tabulated and submitted to descriptive statistical analysis, with emphasis on the relative frequency distribution of responses. The research demonstrated that most cats were male, medium-sized, and fed three times a day. The owners’ preference for purchasing pet food was supermarkets, with dry food being the most acquired product and price being the main selection criterion. Most owners did not follow guidance from animal nutrition professionals. Pet owners in Maceió showed to be selective regarding the price, flavor, and origin of pet foods. Awareness campaigns are essential to educate owners about proper nutritional management of domiciled cats.