1. Effect of declining owned-cat population on veterinary practices in Sydney.
- Author
-
McGreevy PD, Fougere B, Collins H, Bartimote KM, and Thomson PC
- Subjects
- Animals, New South Wales, Population Dynamics, Surveys and Questionnaires, Veterinary Medicine, Animals, Domestic, Cats, Ownership, Practice Patterns, Physicians'
- Abstract
Objectives: To investigate relationships between declining owned-cat populations and cat-related clinical work and practice activities., Design: Sydney practitioners were interviewed, and practice records were examined, from small animal veterinary practices (n = 56) in Sydney. Using data that covered a 4 year period, the age distribution of cats was examined and associated trends in cat-related clinical work were analysed., Results: Important changes in the pet population attending veterinary practices were found, with 38.2% of respondents reporting a fall in cat desexings from 1996 to 2000., Conclusions: While economic impact could not be determined, the qualitative data demonstrated that the majority of practices in the survey were active in the promotion of cat ownership. The study provides a useful model for future investigations. To facilitate this process and to enhance principals' knowledge of their practice's population dynamics, we advocate a minimum standard of data collection that records week-by-week activities and the deaths of pets.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF