We are a country of cat lovers. Kiwis are more likely to share their home with cats than any other animal. But while we love our furry feline friends, are we neglecting our cat’s health?
A recent study from premium pet nutrition brand, Royal Canin shows that more than 50 percent of Kiwi cats do not visit the vet regularly enough and one in two cats are considered overweight or obese, leading to significant health issues.
With more than two million pet cats in New Zealand alone, Royal Canin is determined to change this alarming statistic. Working alongside well-known vet and Fanimals star, Dr. Stacey Tremain, Royal Canin is empowering cat owners to take their cat to the vet throughout July in a new campaign designed to support our often-overlooked feline friend.
“In New Zealand we have such a large pet cat population, we can’t get enough of them!” said Dr. Stacey Tremain, “but there is an increasing trend of cats not visiting the vet regularly enough, meaning that preventative care of cats is at an all-time low.”
There are a myriad of reasons why cat owners are hesitant to visit the vet, with the stress that can be caused by travelling to and from the vet as the most common reason, coupled with cats being masters of disguising illness and pain. However, recently the shortage of vets in New Zealand is contributing to the issue, meaning many vet clinics are currently run off their feet and appointments are being booked further and further in advance.
“The current veterinarian shortage due to our borders being closed because of COVID-19 has added another obstacle for pet owners, particularly cat owners,” said Dr. Stacey Tremain.
“With clinics feeling increased pressure and operating on short staff, we’re seeing cat owners putting off visiting the vet for regular and routine health check-ups, instead opting to visit only in emergency or critical situations. Cats are very, very good at hiding illness and pain, so many pet owners do not spot the signs that something could be wrong, and this can lead to health issues being undiagnosed and untreated for long periods of time.
“I have to admit, even as a veterinarian myself, I was shocked to read Royal Canin’s research that 50 percent of cats do not visit the vet. This is a huge portion of our cat population that is forgoing critical health care and potentially leading to more and more issues in the long run.”
However, Dr. Stacey Tremain says creating the right environment for your cat to visit the vet is crucial in reducing their stress levels.
“In order to best look after my pet patients, I need to ensure my pet parents are looked after to the same level. That means removing as many of the barriers people experience around stress and lack of time as possible. Part of the way we do this is by changing the traditional model of ‘vetting’ and one thing I’m focusing on at the moment is mobile vet solutions which are a great option for cat owners as it takes away one of the main stressors that is travelling to and from the vet.”
With his beloved cat, Steve in tow, Dr. Stacey Tremain is calling for all Kiwi cat owners to join him by making an appointment at their local vet throughout July.
“Like many Kiwi cat owners, my cat Steve is part of my family, and his health is a priority. I know that our Kiwi cat owners, and all pet owners for that matter, just want the best for their pets, and this includes regular health check-ups with their vet.”
Other key findings from Royal Canin’s study include:
- Only 40 percent of cats are medicalised compared to 60 percent of dogs
- Only 50 percent of owners take their new kitten to the vet after acquisition, this includes for vaccinations and general health treatment.
- 38 percent of cat owners believe minor health issues will resolve on their own
- 22 percent of cat owners said visiting the vet is stressful
- 17 percent of respondents said financial burden is a reason for putting off vet visits.
- 50 percent of cat owners only take their cat to the vet after it starts to show signs of an issue
- 66 percent of cat owners said they would visit the vet more frequently if it was easier to do so.
- 8 percent of respondents said that the stress of visiting the vet starts at home with difficulty putting their pet into a carrier.
