Veterinarian Survey!

Name? First, Last, and Title.

What Animal Hospital do you work at?

1. Do you own a cat?

2. Estimate: Out of 10, How many patients come in with a cat each day?

3. How do you think we as pet owners benefit off of the lives of cats?

Cat's are wonderful pets. They can be independent but are excellent companions. Petting a cat is very soothing and can make you feel happier just seeing them.
The relationship with each cat is different but all of them add to our quality of life and deepen our sense of compassion.
All people benefit from experiencing the unconditional love of animals in general and cats specifically. Pets elevate our mood, bring down our blood pressure and give us all purpose.
Cats are calming to humans, and being around them is good for our emotional and mental health.

4. Do you believe that the statement "Cat feces can cause mental illness" is true?

No
Yes
There are certain parasites such as toxoplasma can infect humans. If a human is infected it generally produces very few symptoms because healthy person's immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant woman and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious. Infants who are infected while still in the womb have no symptoms at birth, but they may develop symptoms later in life. A small % of infected newborns can have eye or Brian damage.
Infection with Toxoplasmosis can cause neurologic disease.

5. Do you think that it is true that cats can help produce Oxytocin in the human brain?

6. How do YOU think we can improve the life of Cats? Please Explain.

Regular health checks and lab screens.
Make sure that they have regular veterinary evaluations (at least once a year) and consider whether a cat-only clinic or a mobile veterinarian may be the best for them. Environmental enrichment is HUGE for happy cats! Great nutrition to keep them in their healthiest state of being is so important.
I think that cats lives could be improved by being adopted by loving families that keep them inside away from street traffic and wild animals. They should have yearly veterinary care and two meals a day.
Have them examined at least annually by a veterinarian, provide mental enrichment for them, and high-quality food and water.

7. How many cats does the animal hospital euthanize each day?

We don't euthanize cats every day.
It certainly varies but on the Emergency Service that I worked on, at least 2-3 per shift (14 hours/shift)
0-3 it varies by the day. I work in an emergency hospital, likely we see a higher proportion of pets/cats that are very sick and need to be euthanized.
0-2

8. How do you feel about the euthanization of Cats? Are you Pro-Euthanize or No-Euthanize? Please Explain.

It's a quality of life issue. When your cat becomes very ill, I feel it's best to let them go.
It is our responsibility to do what is in the best interest of the cat. If they are suffering, we need to set them free of a body that is not well or is hurting. I personally do not believe in euthanizing any animal when it is a result of the owner not liking the cat's behavior (e.g. scratching the furniture or peeing in the house), not being able to keep the cat any longer (e.g. "no pets" policy in a new home) or other related concerns. Working through the conversation of how to keep the animal in their home or whether to put the pet up for adoption is really hard but important!
I feel when used appropriately euthanasia is a humane way to end suffering.
We only euthanize cats which are suffering from an illness or poor quality of life. So I am pro-euthanasia when it means that my patients are no longer suffering.