Zoetis is supporting the iCatCare educational campaign that aims to make it easier for cat owners to take their pet to the vet.
Annual
wellness exams are very important to ensure cats are healthy, yet
medicalization of cats tends to be low, and as part of their nature, cats mask
signs of disease. One study in the US shows that nearly half of cats (45.7 percent)
did not visit a veterinarian in the year the study was conducted. Of those, 41 percent cited the reason as their “cats did not get sick or injured.” Only 16 percent cited
“did not have the money. . .” to pay for a veterinary visit as the reason their
cats did not receive veterinary care.
A
more recent survey by International Cat Care also found that many cat
owners struggle to get their cat into a carrier, which is a major barrier to
taking their pet to the veterinary clinic.
To help more cats get to the veterinarian, International Cat Care has developed
educational material and a range of training aids in conjunction with leading
experts which will be made available to cat owners in the run up to
International Cat Day on 8 August 2021.
“Many
cat owners find it incredibly difficult and stressful getting cats into a
carrier,” said Michael McFarland, chief medical officer at Zoetis. “As a
result, many are reluctant to take their cat to their veterinarian unless they
have a major health issue.
“Cats
are intelligent animals and we want owners to know that they respond well to
training. The ICC survey found that owners who use positive training and
rewards find it much easier to get their cats into a carrier, so we are
delighted to support the #BeCatCurious campaign this year.
“Visits
to the veterinarian and giving medicines when needed are essential if we want
to keep our pets healthy and protected, for example against parasites. So,
encouraging owners to be more curious and to learn something new with their cat
can not only strengthen the bond between them but also make life easier and
healthier for cats and their owners.
“By
adopting ICC cat-friendly principles we can help ensure that cats stay healthy
and live the best life possible.”
The
education and training campaign began on 19 July and consists of a wide range
of materials including free online training videos, podcasts, emails and
giveaways. Owners will be able to share photos and stories on social media
using #BeCatCurious to celebrate the time they spend training their cat to
improve their relationship.
Owners
can access the training materials via the International Cat Day page.
