Perfil de 5213 proprietários e percepções sobre o cuidado de felinos e atendimento médico veterinário

Abstract

The number of cats has been growing in Brazilian homes and it is estimated that within approximately a decade it will surpass that of dogs. This increase generates demand for veterinary services that are able to comfortably receive felines and their owners. Cats are considered animals very reactive to adversity, which means that they can be brought into a state of stress quickly. Misunderstanding how they react to fear and pain makes appointments difficult and leads to a subsequent lack of routine veterinary care. Given this, the objective of this study was to know the profile of tutors, perceptions about feline behavior and possible obstacles faced by them with regard to the health care of pets. Data were collected from a semi-structured questionnaire available on an online platform. 5,213 participants were included, of which: 93% were women, 52% were single and lived in urban areas (96%). Fifty-nine percent of owners responded that their cat is only taken for consultation when it shows any clinical signs and 65% of them are anxious when they need to take their cats to the veterinarian. Regarding the veterinary care scenario, 40% of the owners responded that their cats had already been handled inappropriately by professionals in the service, with low affinity with the species and excessive containment being the main behaviors observed. About 40% of the owners have already changed their veterinarian because of these behaviors. The data presented point to the importance of implementing and improving friendly and gentle care practices with cats and their owners so that the health and well-being of these animals are preserved.