A new report reveals that nearly 60% of cat owners do not visit the vet as often as they would like, despite fewer challenges in accessing care. The report, published by Cats Protection, warns that over four million cats may not be receiving the regular care they need, and almost one million cats are not registered with a vet.
The findings come from the charity’s fifth annual Cats and Their Stats report, which also shows a decline in the UK’s owned cat population, dropping from 11 million in 2023 to around 10.6 million in 2024. The report is based on a survey of over 10,000 participants.
While 62% of respondents reported taking their cats to the vet annually, up from 57% in 2020, 58% said they did not visit the vet as often as they would like. This is a slight increase from last year.
John May, Chief Executive of Cats Protection, emphasized that the organization is reviewing its communications to ensure pet owners have easy access to the right information. He also called on veterinary professionals to prioritize cat welfare and support new cat owners in making informed decisions for their pets.
The most common reason for not visiting the vet remains the cost of treatment, with 28% of respondents citing this concern. Stress for both cats and owners was another reason, mentioned by 26% of participants.
Anna Judson, Senior Vice-President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), expressed disappointment at the number of owners not visiting the vet as frequently as they should. While she acknowledged that financial concerns are valid, she warned that delaying regular check-ups could lead to more serious and expensive health problems in the future.
The report also shows that the proportion of cats registered with a veterinary practice has increased slightly, from 90% in 2023 to 91% this year. However, 13% of cats in lower-income households and 16% of uninsured cats remain unregistered.
The survey also highlighted access issues for some cat owners. While 28% of respondents reported difficulties in accessing veterinary care, this figure rose to 45% in urban areas. A third of these owners said vets were too busy, an increase from 32% last year, while 24% mentioned reduced services or limited hours as barriers.
Alison Richards, Head of Clinical Services at Cats Protection, noted that the charity is looking for ways to address these challenges and improve collaboration across sectors to better serve cat owners.
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