Cat owners needed for vet care study
The study could support progress in tackling antimicrobial resistance.
The University of Nottingham is seeking cat owners for a new study into veterinary care and antibiotic use.
Participants will be asked to share their experiences of taking their cat into veterinary practices, including the treatment they received and any antibiotics they were prescribed.
The project, funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, forms part of efforts to reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics when treating cats. It is hoped that this will help tackle antimicrobial resistance, protecting the efficacy of vital antibiotics.
It has been backed by background research from the university, with researchers reviewing existing information and interviewing cat owners. This information supported the production of a nationwide questionnaire, with questions regarding owner experiences, expectations and views on veterinary treatment.
The study hopes to support industry targets, set by the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E) to reduce the use of antibiotic use in dogs and cats over the next five years. The organisation has also released a number of resources to support the reduction of antibiotic use.
The questionnaire is open to all cat owners that have recently visited their veterinary practice, regardless of whether they were prescribed antibiotics.
Dr Marnie Brennan, associate professor in epidemiology and director of the Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine, said: “The perspectives of cat owners, or those who care for cats, are a really important consideration when decisions are being made about what treatment options might be suitable for a particular cat.
“By taking part in this survey, cat owners have an opportunity to share their views and experiences of medicating cats, helping us to better understand their preferences and any challenges they face.”
Cat owners that are aged 18 years and over can complete the survey online until Friday, 7 August 2026. It can be accessed here.
Image © Gonzalo Infiesta/Shutterstock
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
