TITLE:
The Whole “Kitten”-Caboodle: Perceived Differences in Veterinary and General Population Opinions Regarding Cat Behavior and Health
AUTHORS:
Courtney Bir, Nicole J. Olynk Widmar, Candace C. Croney
KEYWORDS:
Cat, Behavior, Welfare, Veterinarian, Perceptions
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine,
Vol.6 No.12,
December
30,
2016
ABSTRACT: People’s attitudes towards
animals are likely to impact their quality of care offered. Understanding perceptions
of cats is important to identify potential cat welfare issues and to facilitate
best care practices. An online survey was developed to gather information from 1172 U.S. residents
on perceptions of cats and sources of cat welfare information. Demographic variables,
information regarding respondents’ characterization, knowledge and beliefs of
cats, their behavior, and welfare needs were collected. A subsample of cat
owning households was surveyed regarding their opinions on cat behavior.
Veterinarians were also surveyed to determine if they differed from general respondents in their views of and knowledge
of cats and their care. The
highest percentage of respondents in both groups identified veterinarians as the most accessible (52%
veterinarian, 29% general public respondents) and most credible sources (veterinarians
76%, general public 29%) of information on cat behavior. In response to being asked
about acceptable reasons to relinquish cats, more general respondents selected “convenience”
(13% veterinarians, 3% general population). Several inconsistencies in
perceptions and practices between and within members of the general public and
veterinarians were observed. General respondents and veterinarians both
indicated a lack of confidence in addressing behavioral issues in cats. Both
groups disagreed that
they (in the
case of veterinarians) or their veterinarians provided useful resources on cat behavior or health.
Opportunities exist for improvement in consistency between knowledge, attitudes
and practices or services relative to cats. Improved competence and information transfer on both the behavioral and
physical health aspects of cat welfare are also needed.