Species attitudes of veterinary professionals: comparing preferences, confidence and education regarding dogs and cats.

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate species-specific attitudes among veterinary professionals by comparing preferences, confidence, professional and personal experiences, and education related to cats and dogs, identifying disparities and potential contributing factors.MethodsA 60-item survey was distributed electronically to members of an American veterinary medical college. Five key categories were assessed to compare cats with dogs: Confidence, Preference, Professional Experience, Personal Experience and Education. Responses were rated on a scale of 1-10. Data from 287 participants (faculty, staff and students) were analyzed using paired and independent sample-tests to compare attitudes between species and potential influencing factors.ResultsDogs were rated significantly higher than cats across all five categories. Confidence in working with cats (mean 8.17) was lower than with dogs (mean 8.76;<0.001). Confidence with cats increased with experience, while confidence decreased with experience with dogs. Preference for cats (mean 4.80) was significantly lower than for dogs (mean 7.22;<0.001). Personal and professional experiences, as well as education regarding cats, were also rated significantly lower (all<0.001). Cat allergies were associated with reduced preference for cats, while dog allergies corresponded to increased confidence and experience with cats.Conclusions and relevanceVeterinary professionals exhibit overall less favorable attitudes toward cats compared with dogs, particularly in confidence, preference and educational exposure. These disparities may negatively impact feline welfare. Professional experience with cats is correlated with increased confidence, suggesting that these opportunities should be increased in veterinary training. Allergy status may also have a role in determining attitudes and confidence with small animal species. Recognition of species-specific biases and understanding of potential contributing factors are critical for improving veterinary education and feline welfare.