Common misperceptions part of the problem

Perceptions of cat owners are clearly different than what veterinary professionals know to be true regarding health concerns and preventive care for cats. Many owners believe cats are self-sufficient, naturally more problem free and healthier than dogs, and that problems come from outside and don’t affect inside cats. In addition, cats don’t show visible signs of illness like dogs do, and many shy away from veterinary visits because they believe they are more stressful than dog visits.

Huge opportunity in “unseen cat” potential in multi-pet households

Approximately 47 percent of U.S. cat-owning households also have dogs. Likewise, 41 percent of dog-owning households also have cats. Veterinarians are significantly more likely to see and treat dogs from those mixed-species households than their feline housemates. A 2009-10 survey by APPA revealed that compared with dogs, almost three times as many cats hadn’t received veterinary care in the past year.

Consider your customers’ “unseen cat potential.” What is the ratio of feline-to-canine visits at their clinics? Does it reflect the mixed-species household statistics shown here? Recommend that when they see a canine patient, they ask the owner whether there is a cat at home, and if so, how recently the cat was examined by a veterinarian. And when they treat a cat in their clinics, recommend that they find out if there are other cats at home they haven’t seen lately. Given that more than half – 53 percent – of cat-owning households have more than one cat, the question is very likely to lead to additional business, benefitting the cat, owner and practice.

“There is a high likelihood that your customer’s existing client base is hiding a large number of unseen cats and offers an enormous opportunity to provide more care by increasing feline visits in their clinics,” said Alvarado. “You can help them make a difference in the lives of many more pets by simply helping them ‘mine’ their unseen cat potential. And that starts by getting them to ask one key question: Have We Seen Your Cat Lately?”

Sidebar:

The goal of the Have We Seen Your Cat Lately program, is to raise awareness among your customers’ clients from mixed-pet households that their cats need regular veterinary care, including wellness visits and vaccinations, just like they receive for their dogs. BIVI has components available for your customers which include:

• In-clinic materials to boost pet owner awareness.
• Tools for the healthcare team, including evidence-based wellness exam and vaccine checklists for each life stage.
• Tips to enhance communication with cat owners about the importance of regular veterinary care.
• More information and resources for clients and team members.

You can visit www.Have We SeenYourCatLately.com to request program materials, or call your local BIVI rep.