Cat welfare issues highlighted
Image: Ralph, Yorkshire Cat Rescue/RTS Media
Yorkshire Cat Rescue have released the findings of an owner survey, which set out to determine if neutering and microchipping are becoming the norm, and to identify the challenges facing rescue homes.
Of the 315 UK owners to take part, 80 per cent had neutered their cats. Interestingly, 20 per cent of men under the age of 45 said their cat was not neutered, making them the least likely of those surveyed to neuter their pet.
Whilst it is "good news" that a majority of the owners neutered their pets, founder of Yorkshire Cat Rescue Sara Atkinson warned that "the 16 per cent of people with no plans to breed but whose cats are still intact could easily find themselves caring for an unwanted litter this summer."
The survey found that 50 per cent of participants had microchipped their cats, 41 per cent had not, and 9 per cent were unsure whether or not their pet had been microchipped.
Ms Atkinson commented: "I was glad to hear that people take microchipping seriously but we are only half way there, and of course this survey is only a snapshot of reality. I suspect that on a national scale, far less than half of domestic cats are microchipped."
The charity was also keen to find out if the recession had affected vet visit frequency. 78 per cent of owners taking part in the survey said they visited the vets just as frequently as they did prior to 2008.
Comparing male and female answers, the survey found that 29 per cent of men had cut back on vet visits, whereas only 18 per cent of female owners had.
Interestingly, 82 per cent of people said they had become more likely to adopt a cat from a rescue home since the recession began, and the same amount said if they were looking to get a cat, they would adopt one from a shelter. Only 7 per cent would seek out a reputable breeder, and 2 per cent said they would buy online.
Addressing the issues facing charities, the survey found a worrying 73 per cent of people had not made any formal arrangements for their pets should they die or become unable to care for them. Ms Atkinson referred to this finding as "particularly worrying" and the charity cite this as a "huge strain" on their resources.
It is hoped by the charity that welfare can be improved by highlighting the key issues facing owners and charities. Indeed, the charity has recently launched an "I Own a Cat" poster, aiming to encourage cat owners to make provisions for their pets should they become unable to care for them.
RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.
