Author(s)

Courtney Bir^1*, Nicole J. Olynk Widmar¹, Candace C. Croney²

¹Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA.
²Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, USA.

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.

Cat, Behavior, Welfare, Veterinarian, Perceptions

Bir, C. , Widmar, N. and Croney, C. (2016) The Whole “Kitten”-Caboodle: Perceived Differences in Veterinary and General Population Opinions Regarding Cat Behavior and Health. Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 6, 177-192. doi: 10.4236/ojvm.2016.612021.