Effect of declining owned-cat population on veterinary practices in Sydney

OBJECTIVES: To investigate relationships between declining owned-cat populations and cat-related clinical work and practice activities. DESIGN: Sydney practitioners were interviewed, and practice records were examined, from small animal veterinary practices (n = 56) in Sydney. Using data that covered a 4 year period, the age distribution of cats was examined and associated trends in cat-related clinical work were analysed. RESULTS: Important changes in the pet population attending veterinary practices were found, with 38.2% of respondents reporting a fall in cat desexings from 1996 to 2000. CONCLUSIONS: While economic impact could not be determined, the qualitative data demonstrated that the majority of practices in the survey were active in the promotion of cat ownership. The study provides a useful model for future investigations. To facilitate this process and to enhance principals' knowledge of their practice's population dynamics, we advocate a minimum standard of data collection that records week-by-week activities and the deaths of pets.