A recent report by the CATalyst Council, titled State of the Cat: Wellness and Nutrition 2024, offers a comprehensive look into the perspectives of cat owners regarding veterinary care and other feline-related topics. This report, which draws on data from over 400 U.S. veterinarians and 1,900 cat owners, aims to inform and guide strategic decisions for animal health companies, shelter and adoption organizations, and the veterinary community.
“The CATalyst Council collaborated with industry experts for a year to compile substantial data and generate key insights that can be immediately utilized in making informed business decisions,” said Gina Fortunato, president of the CATalyst Council. “I’m confident that this report will be invaluable to those in the animal health industry, as well as to shelters and veterinarians, by helping to improve the level of care provided to companion cats nationwide.”
The report delves into several key areas, including:
- Cat owners’ perceptions of their veterinarians.
- A comparison of dog and cat ownership, highlighting differences and similarities.
- The top three unmet needs in feline medical care, as identified by both owners and veterinarians.
- Innovative products that could enhance the quality of feline patient care.
- Nutritional advice tailored for cats.
- The primary challenges veterinarians face when treating feline patients.
Some notable findings from the report include:
- 35% of cat owners had little to no prior experience with cats.
- Over 70% of cats received a veterinary exam during their first year of ownership, yet less than 33% returned for follow-up visits over the next three years.
- 30% of cat owners reported that their veterinarian offered advice on reducing stress during pet transport.
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