Annabelle Goyon

Dr. Annabelle Goyon


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 December 2025 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DEDr. Eyre
Dr. Eyre
EMEmily Marshall
Emily Marshall
AGAnnabelle Goyon
Annabelle Goyon
ZEZack Ellerby
Zack Ellerby
LCLaura Carvell-Miller
Laura Carvell-Miller
SMScott Joseph McGrane
Scott Joseph McGrane
Domesticated cats have evolved from the obligate carnivore Felis silvestris. The instinct to eat small frequent meals and a crepuscular feeding rhythm was conserved during domestication. Declining senses, cognitive impairment, and poor oral health decrease food intake in aging cats. Combined with metabolic and physiological changes, they are at risk of sarcopenia and general body condition impairment. Aging cats may, therefore, benefit from modified nutritional strategies to achieve their metabolic energy requirements; however, little is known about feeding patterns in aging cats and influence of food format. This in-home study of 134 aging cats (≥7 years) assessed ad libitum dry, wet, and wet/dry (‘mixed’) feeding regimens to compare 24 h feeding frequency and caloric intakes. Feeding frequency was significantly different between wet and dry (p = 0.02) and mixed and dry diets (p < 0.001), with cats consuming 6.0 (dry), 6.9 (wet), or 7.2 meals (mixed) per day. Mean caloric intakes were significantly higher for dry (262.6 kcal/d) and mixed (222.6 kcal/d) regimens (both p < 0.001) versus wet (138.1 kcal/d). In conclusion, healthy aging cats eat small frequent meals, with feeding frequency and caloric intake influenced by dietary format. These findings support development of evidence-based feeding guidelines for aging cats.