The statistics are shocking! An estimated 2 in 5 cat owners in Malaysia won’t be taking their cats to a veterinarian this year, according to a survey commissioned by Royal Canin to better understand cat owners’ beliefs and motivations.
One significant finding was that 40% of cat owners surveyed here have never taken their cat to the veterinarian. They tend to think of cats as independent, self-sufficient and healthy and therefore there is no need to bring their cat to the veterinarian for check-ups.
Sharing the findings of the survey with the media at the launch of its MyCat2Vet Campaign today, Royal Canin Malaysia’s Corporate Affairs & Scientific Communication Manager, Dr. Calvin Cheah who is also a veterinarian said : “The three main reasons cited by owners for not doing so are : i) They are worried about the cost ii) They think their cat can take care of itself iii) They think their cat does not have health issues.”
Dr. Cheah elaborated that there is good reason why cat owners tend to overlook the need to bring their cats to the veterinarian. Cats, have in their nature, the ability to tolerate and mask signs of pain. Thus, many owners cannot recognise that their cat is sick. By the time they realise their cat is suffering, often times the disease would have progressed to severe signs and/or is too late to treat. The most common disease that afflicts cats is urinary tract infection and one of the signs, according to Dr. Cheah, is the cat will have difficulty urinating.
Based on the study’s findings, Royal Canin, as a company that places animal welfare at the top of their agenda, has decided to play its part to help raise greater awareness on the need for cats to get regular check-ups by launching the MyCat2Vet Campaign.
Royal Canin Malaysia has enlisted the support of 200 veterinarian clinics all over the country where cat owners can take their cats for check-ups. Under this collaboration, Royal Canin Malaysia will pick up the tab for the cat’s check-up.
Dr. Cheah said routine check-ups are important for a multitude of reasons:
- The older a cat gets, the more likely the owner is to take it to the veterinarian but only when it is sick. By then, it could be too late.
- Routine wellness exams are vital for giving cats the long, happy and healthy lives that they deserve.
- Cats age much more rapidly than humans.
- Vet visits are an opportunity to let your veterinarian know about any behavious changes.
- Preventive care is better than reactive care.
Royal Canin’s goal is to have 10,000 cats make their first visit to the veterinarian as a result of this campaign. Those who are interested can log on to mycat2vet.my for full details of the registration and panel clinics that are available. Alternatively, for those without Internet access, they can call Royal Canin’s Hotline at 016 206 9610 from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday to make the necessary arrangements/appointment. The Campaign runs from 1 December 2016 – 31 December 2016.
