Epidemiology of domestic cat behavioral problems in the city of Porto Alegre/Brazil: a survey of small animal veterinary practitioners

ABSTRACT: The popularity of cats as a companion animal has been growing. Additionally, there is also an increase in the number of complaints regarding behavioral problems associated with the species. Behavioral problems interfere with the animal welfare and quality of people’s lives that are living with them, and are one of the main reasons for abandonment and euthanasia in some countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of behavioral problems among cats with the help of veterinary practitioners in the city of Porto Alegre/Brazil. This evaluation was performed through a questionnaire in veterinary clinics and hospitals of small animals, which was answered by veterinarians responsible for clinical care. The study showed that most veterinarians (92.0%) have been sought to assist with behavioral problems and that dogs were the most consulted species (72.0%). Regarding cats, scratching was the most common owners’ complaints (40.0%), followed by aggressiveness (39.0%), and inappropriate elimination of urine (38.0%). Aggression (73.8%) and scratching (56.9%) were the most frequent reasons that may lead to the abandonment or euthanasia of cats. Results of this research highlighted the importance of having a better understanding about the normal behavior of cats, and the fundamental role of the veterinarian in preventing behavioral problems and abandonment of these animals.

摘要：伴侣猫的受欢迎程度与日俱增。与此同时，与该物种相关的行为问题投诉量也呈上升趋势。行为问题不仅会影响动物福利与饲养者的生活质量，同时也是部分国家中猫咪被遗弃或实施安乐死的主要原因之一。本研究借助巴西阿雷格里港的执业兽医力量，旨在调研猫咪行为问题的流行率。本次评估通过面向小型动物兽医诊所与医院的问卷开展，由负责临床诊疗的兽医完成作答。研究结果显示，多数兽医（92.0%）曾接到过行为问题相关的诊疗求助，而犬类是咨询量最高的物种（72.0%）。就猫咪而言，抓挠行为是饲主投诉最多的问题（40.0%），其次为攻击性行为（39.0%）与尿液排泄不当（38.0%）。攻击性行为（73.8%）与抓挠行为（56.9%）是导致猫咪被遗弃或实施安乐死的最常见诱因。本研究结果凸显了深入认知猫咪正常行为的重要性，以及兽医在预防猫咪行为问题与遗弃事件中发挥的核心作用。