Study on Cat Management Practices According to Owner’s Economic Status at Chattogram Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Abstract The health and welfare of domestic cats are significantly influenced by the owner’s economic status (ES), which affects access to veterinary services, preventive care, and proper nutrition. This study investigates the correlation between cat owners' economic status and their pets' vaccination, deworming, feeding habits, and health in Chattogram Metropolitan Area. Data were collected from 500 randomly selected cat owners through interviews and records. Primary and secondary collected from S.A. Quaderi Teaching and Veterinary Hospital, CVASU when owners came to hospital for getting veterinary care and treatment. Higher economic status (ES) owners' cats received noticeably better care, according to analysis employing Pearson Chi-square tests. About 91.72% high class cat owner’s received vaccination, while middle-class households received 56.04% and lower-class households obtained 4.8% (P < 0.001). In the same way, 82.06% of cat owners with high ES routinely dewormed their cats, compared to 33.69% and 2.43% of middle-class and lower ES owners, respectively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, 87.5% of owners with high ES offered balanced diets, but just 38.8% of middle ES and none of those with lower ES did. The finding from the study with contribute to a better understanding of the economic determinants pet health. Future research should explore the effectiveness of affordable veterinary services and community education programs in mitigating the impact of economic disparities on animal welfare. The findings from this study will contribute to a better understanding of the economic determinants of pet health and offer evidence-based recommendations for improving veterinary care accessibility in Bangladesh.