Читать книгу Pet-Specific Care for the Veterinary Team - Группа авторов - Страница 72

Companion cats outnumber dogs in the US, Canada, and many other nations, yet comprise only 25–40% of patients in typical companion animal veterinary practices. This trend was first recognized after the release of the 2007 AVMA US Pet Owner and Demographics Sourcebook [1] which showed a decline in the number of veterinary visits and expenditures for pet cats. Furthermore, compared to dogs, cats were twice as likely not to visit a veterinarian at all. At that time, it was also noted that households considering their cats as family members had a higher average number of veterinary visits (2.0) compared to households that viewed their cats as pets/companions (1.4) or as property (0.7). This insight is one of the reasons that supporting the human–animal bond is critical for cats (see 2.14 Benefits of the Human–Animal Bond). Unfortunately, the declining trends have continued and the 2017–2018 edition of the AVMA Pet Owner and Demographics Sourcebook [2] reported that 45.7% – nearly half of all cats – did not visit a veterinarian in the year the study was conducted. Of those, 41% cited the reason as their “cats did not get sick or injured.” Only 16% cited “did not have the money…” to pay for a veterinary visit as the reason their cats didn't receive veterinary care.

While this and other data seem daunting, it creates a tremendous opportunity for the veterinary profession. To make this happen, hospital teams need to commit to creating, implementing, and sustaining a knowledgeable, feline‐friendly mindset and environment. This will allow cat owners to feel comfortable and committed to getting their cats veterinary care, irrespective of their age or perceived health status.

Fortunately, as the realization of this opportunity occurred, several organizations began or increased their efforts to improve cat health. The CATalyst Summit brought together more than 50 people and organizations representing all stakeholders in cat care, including animal welfare organizations. Subsequent to the summit, the CATalyst Council was created, representing a unique coalition of cat health and welfare organizations, companies, foundations, and the media. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) developed Feline Life Stage Guidelines [3]. The AAFP and International Cat Care (ICC, known as Feline Advisory Bureau at the time) both began their efforts for their Cat‐Friendly Practice and Cat Friendly Clinic initiatives. These organizations have robust online resources that practices should visit and take the needed steps to acquire the related designations and certifications. The tools provided by the AAFP and ICC as well as those from the Canadian initiative Cat Healthy and the Ohio State University's Indoor Pet Initiative for Cats [4] offer resources for veterinary teams, animal shelters, and pet owners.

As a profession, we must understand consumers' desires, for without them, companion cats will not benefit from evidence‐based, feline‐friendly, health and welfare knowledge that we have, must implement and share. Consumers become clients when the 45.7% of cat owners not currently obtaining veterinary care do so.