Cat owners often find veterinary visits to be a source of stress, both for themselves and their feline companions. This reluctance can stem from past negative experiences, contributing to the lower frequency of cat check-ups compared to dogs. Researchers at the University of California, Davis are investigating the reasons behind this phenomenon and are seeking input from cat owners.
This research, conducted by Nancy Hernandez and her team at the UC Davis Animal Welfare and Epidemiology Lab, aims to understand the disconnect between veterinary guidelines and cat owner perceptions. “Many veterinary practices adhere to published guidelines for their facilities and handling techniques,” Hernandez explained. “Yet, a significant number of cat owners avoid annual visits due to their cat’s fear and anxiety, which also stresses the owners. This negative experience discourages routine veterinary care.”
The study explores whether cat owner perceptions align with established veterinary recommendations. The research team is particularly interested in owner perspectives on cat handling during exams, the use of cat-only areas in clinics, and owner presence during routine procedures like blood and urine collection.
Cheddar the cat reacting to a vet visitCheddar’s typical reaction to a veterinary appointment. © Ed Cara
While some cat owners, like myself and my frequent maagx.com guest star, Cheddar “Chiz” Cara, have had positive experiences with the quality of veterinary care, other factors can create hesitancy. For instance, the time it takes to receive a full breakdown of treatment and vaccination costs can be a source of anxiety. The unexpected final bill can be a shock, even with pet insurance. Making pet healthcare more financially accessible is crucial, and initiatives like the People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act, which proposes using HSAs and FSAs for pet care expenses, offer a potential solution.
The UC Davis survey delves into past veterinary experiences, opinions on general appointment practices, and provides an open-ended question for additional details. Responses are anonymous, collecting only basic demographic information about the cat, such as age, sex, and spay/neuter status. The survey can be accessed here.
A cat being examined by a veterinarianA cat undergoing a veterinary examination. © Ed Cara
This citizen science research is a valuable endeavor. Cat owners are also encouraged to share their experiences, both positive and negative, in the comments below. We at MaagX.com are eager to hear your stories and contribute to a better understanding of feline veterinary care.
