Introduction
There are many animals in the world, but all are not made them as pet.
Companionship and a connection with the animal are what distinguish it as a pet. By definition, a pet, sometimes known as a companion animal, is an animal kept primarily for the companionship or pleasure of its owner. According to archaeology, human ownership of dogs as pets dates back at least 12,000 year[CITATION Ser \l 1033 ]. Therefore, human-animal relationships have been going on for so long. A recent study found that there are around 470 million dogs maintained as pets worldwide and approximately 370 million pet cats [ CITATION ElS22 \l 1033 ].
There are more than 900 million dogs around the world, and their numbers are growing. There are approximately 600 million cats on the planet. More than 740 million dogs live unrestrained or free-ranging. Only 17–24% of dogs live as pets in developed countries. Pets bring both physical and emotional advantages to their owners. They can also provide companionship to people who live alone or to elderly people who do not have enough social connections[ CITATION Pet22 \l 1033 ].
Owning a few rare species of dogs and cats is also a source of pride. As a result, most renowned individuals or celebrities have more than one pet. Besides that, some people are raising stray dogs and cats as their pets. It is found that in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, having pets was a symbol of elitism in society [ CITATION AMA15 \l 1033 ]. This scenario is still common in Bangladesh as well. Elite people try to keep pets to maintain their status or elitism. To improve the physical, social, and emotional health of their owners, particularly youngsters, companion animals have lately been raised in metropolitan areas of Bangladesh[ CITATION Doh98 \l 1033 ];
[ CITATION Rob00 \l 1033 ]. Pet ownership often comes with particular obligations, such as housing, illness control, and responsibility for pet ownership, which can have a detrimental impact on public health when disregarded [ CITATION Wil02 \l 1033 ].
There is growing interest in managing domestic cats (Feliscatus), notably in trying to better understand and occasionally modify the attitudes and behaviors of cat owners[ CITATION Gra16 \l 1033 ];[ CITATION How16 \l 1033 ];[ CITATION Lep15 \l 1033 ]K. et al.,2017); [ CITATION Wal17 \l 1033 ]. Since ancient times, domestic cats have served as pets [ CITATION Fau \l 1033 ]. Domestic cats are
beloved and well-liked pets that play a variety of beneficial functions in people's lives, including providing emotional support, affection, and companionship as well as a chance for nurturing and empathy[ CITATION Bec \l 1033 ];[CITATION End \l 1033 ]; [ CITATION Kha16 \l 1033 ]. The greater awareness of the possible negative effects of pet cats, such as the predation of local animals, the transfer of illness, and the aggravation of neighbors, has sparked interest in cat management[ CITATION Dic14 \l 1033 ];[ CITATION Lep15 \l 1033 ];[ CITATION Loy13 \l 1033 ];
[ CITATION McL17 \l 1033 ]. Numerous actions taken by owners, such as keeping pets contained, giving them shots, and having them spayed or neutered, may lessen these effects. Pets of all types, including dogs, cats, and rabbits, have been imported from overseas and sold at Bangladesh's Dhaka city's Katabon Market. As a result, raising pets is getting more and more common in Bangladesh's metropolitan centers.
Pet owners must play a vital part in determining their pets' diet, and their nutritional choices are likely to be influenced by a variety of factors, including their knowledge of their pets' nutritional needs; their perceptions of the nutritional value, wholesomeness, and safety of feed ingredients; their thoughts on the pet food industry; and their sources of information regarding their pets' dietary management[CITATION Mic \l 1033 ]. Pet owners are becoming more conscious about the food habit of their cats. Some owners provide commercial foods and some provide homemade foods. However, there is a dearth of knowledge on the management strategies used by per cat owners in relation to healthcare, welfare, and feeding, as well as the challenges they encounter. Pet owners, on the other hand, lack sufficient awareness of pet animal illnesses and zoonoses. Pet animals in Dhaka suffer from a variety of ailments, but pet owners are often unaware of these illnesses, as well as their treatment and immunization.
In spite of its great importance, to my knowledge, Bangladesh has conducted very limited research on it, which encourages me to focus solely on it. Most of the researches were on the diseases and disorders in pet dogs and cats, but solely management practice of pet cats was not focused. Therefore, the present study was designed with aimed to investigate the husbandry practices by cat owners of Dhaka for their cats.
Materials and methods
2.1: Study area and population:
The study was carried out through the period of May-June, 2023 during the internship placement at Teaching and Training Pet Hospital and Research Centre (TTPHRC), Purbachal, Dhaka. The data were collected from the owners of the cats that visited to the hospital for health checkup, deworming, vaccination, treatment of illness, etc. The survey was completed with a pre-structured questionnaire based on individual-level data through face-to-face interviews and by observation of the cats. A total of 100 cats were included in the study for data collection during the study period.
Fig 1: Geographical location of Teaching and Training Pet Hospital and Research Centre (TTPHRC)
2.2: Data collection tools and process:
Pet owners were interviewed face to face in the hospital premises using questionnaire regarding the objectives of the study using an interview schedule of 20-30 minutes.
Information based on different qualitative and quantitative parameters like number of pets in those households (Pets other than cat and their number, population size of cats, etc.), general information about the cats (Age, breed, sex, neutering information, etc.), housing (intensive/extensive), feeding practices (commercial/homemade food) and health status (vaccination, deworming, reason for current and last vet visit, etc.) were collected during the study period.
2.3: Data analysis:
After collection, data were compiled in MS excel 2016. Data were sorted and compiled for further analysis. Using an excel sheet, descriptive statistics were mostly used to show the results in accordance with the study's objectives.
Results
3.1: Pet owning households:
This survey was done on the owners who kept at least one cat. Out of these, 87%
households kept only cats and 13% families found keeping other pets like dogs and birds along with cats. Among other pets, dogs were dominant (7%) and most of them had >5 pets (7%) other than cats. In case of number of cats, most (88%) of the families had 1-10 cats followed by 11-20 cats (10%)and >20 cats (2%) (table1).
Table-1 : Frequency and percentage of pets kept by 100 families in Dhaka city
Variables Co-variables Frequency Percentage (%)
Pets kept by owners other than cat
Dog Bird Dog and bird
None
7 5 1 87
7 5 1 87
Number of pets besides cat
0 1 2 3 4
>5
87 1 2 1 2 7
87 1 2 1 2 7
Number of cats kept by owners
1-10 11-20
>20
88 10 2
88 10 2
3.2: General information of cats:
The category of the breed, age, sex and sterilization status substantially differed from cat to cat. The local breed was the most dominant cat breed (50%) followed by the Persian breed (43%), mixed (6%) and Birman Red Point (1%). The proportions of males were higher than females where only 28% were sterilized. There was a significant range of age variety where most cats (63%) were 1 year old or below, 25%
within 1.1-4 years, 9% cats within 4.1-8 years and 3% were above them (table 2).
Table-2 : Frequency and percentage of age category, breed, sex and sterilization status of cats
Variables Co-variables Frequency Percentage (%)
Category of age 0-1 year 1.1-4 years 4.1-8 years
>8 years
63 25 9 3
63 25 9 3
Breed Local
Persian Mixed Birman Red
Point
50 43 6 1
50 43 6 1
Sex Male
Female
58 42
58 42
Sterilization Yes
No
28 72
28 72
3.3: Housing and feeding:
As the survey was done in an urban area, so most of the cats (89%) were reared intensively within the owners’ houses and other 11% cats were reared semi- intensively. Almost 46% households relied only on homemade feeds like boiled and cooked meat, fish, rice, vegetables etc and 42% households offered both homemade and commercial feeds (packet, canned and pouch etc). About 12% household used to feed only commercial feeds (table 3).
Table-3 : Frequency and percentage of housing system and feeding process
Variables Co-variables Frequency Percentage(%) Housing system Intensive
Semi-intensive
89 11
89 11
Types of feed Homemade
Commercial Homemade and
commercial
46 12 42
46 12 42
3.4: Vaccination and deworming:
Vaccination was commonly done in most of the cats (60%) whereas the deworming rate was not that much. Only 42% cats were dewormed regularly. The frequency of vaccination is shown in table 4.
Table-4: Frequency of vaccination and deworming
Variables Co-variables Frequency
Vaccination Yes
No
60 40 Frequency of vaccination Nil
Single Double Multiple
40 37 10 13
Deworming Yes
No
42 58
3.5: Health status:
Cat owners visited TTPHRC on May-June, 2023 for various health issues. There were lots of disease variation in which respiratory problems, digestive problems, high rise syndrome (HRS) and skin diseases were more common. 11% of these cats visited vet within previous 1 month for different health problems.
Chart Title
Accidental pain Health check-up
Deworming Eye problem
FIP FUO
Fighting Injury Fracture
GI Problems Gingivitis
HRS Jaundice
Kidney & Liver problem Kidney Disease Liver Problem Neuro Disease Nutritional deficiency Respiratory Problem Reproductive Problem Skin Problem
Sprain Sterilization
Tumor Urinary Disease
Vaccination Worm infestation
Fig 2: Pie chart of different health issues of the cats visited at TTPHRC
Discussion
4.1: Single versus multi pet households:
In our study we have found maximum families did not keep other pets along with cats. This might be because most of the owners in Dhaka city lead busy lifestyle and do not have enough interest or time to spend with so many pets. Again, in our country practicing Muslim families do not keep dogs as pets as they are seen as impure. In our survey we found the majority number of households kept only one (29%) or two (24%) cats including which, 88% families had small (1-10) population size of cats whereas 10% had medium (11-20) and only 2% had large (>20) population size of cats. It is probably because, keeping more than two or three cats increases likelihood of behavioral anomalies (such as inappropriate urination and aggression) and transmission of infectious disease agents (such as feline coronaviruses[ CITATION Tor09 \l 1033 ].So, it is gratifying that such problems are likely to be encountered only in 12% of respondent households.
4.2: Age, gender and breed consideration of the owned cats:
The utmost section of cat breeds was found as ‘Local breed’. This may be because of the higher availability of local breed than foreign breeds. Due to low purchase capacity of the foreign breeds, people like to rear local breed. We also found that the preference of Persian cat was higher than the other breeds because the dignified and docile Persian cat is known for being quiet and sweet [ CITATION Bho20 \l 1033 ].
The study revealed that most of the cats visiting TTPHRC were below 1 year age, which is because of the more susceptibility of kittens to become sick. The male- female ratio of the cats was almost 4:3 but only 28% cats were either castrated or spayed. Less number of sterilization suggests the desire of the owners to get offspring from their cats. Again, sterilization may cause weight gain in cats (Pros and cons of spaying and neutering in cats, Niles Animal Hospital).
4.3: Housing system and feeding practices of the cats:
Our study showed that, most of the households kept their pets within their residence because of lack space outside their house. Other studies show that, cats allowed free access to the outdoors invariably come into contact with other cats which can transmit parasites and more serious diseases like, feline leukemia (FeLV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), panleukopenia etc. (The Spruce Pets’, 2019). Outdoor domestic cats are a recognized threat to global biodiversity. Cats have contributed to the extinction of 33 known species and continue to adversely impact a wide variety of other species, including those at risk of extinction (Top 20 reasons to keep cats indoors, Global Stewards). The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists domestic cats as one of the world’s worst non-native invasive species (100 of the world’s worst invasive alien species, GISD, 2013).
In our study we found maximum households used to feed their cats homemade diets although a good number of families provide commercial feed too. The main merit of homemade feed is owner can control the ingredient of feed. The majority of commercial cat feed contains fillers and unneeded substances. These low-quality components contribute to weight gain and health problems [ CITATION Vil22 \l 1033 ]. These problems can avoid through providing homemade feed. In case of protein source, owners preferred fish and boiled chicken for their cats. Fish is a lean protein source with a high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)[ CITATION REA20 \l 1033 ]. Chicken breast is a lean protein source that is also low in sodium and fat.
Selenium, which is good for immune system, vitamin B6, and phosphorus are all found in chicken [CITATION can22 \l 1033 ].
4.4: Vaccination and deworming status:
Preventive healthcare in small animals primarily involves vaccination and parasite prevention. Not only outdoor cats but also cats who lives indoor entirely also need vaccination as they can be infected through travelling, interaction with other cats, the addition of a new cat to the home, and even viruses carried on owners clothing[ CITATION Flo21 \l 1033 ]. Vaccination rate was satisfactory (60%) among the cats, where most of cats were given only a single dose of vaccine. This is because most of the cats in our study were below 1 year of age. The rate of vaccination was
higher compared to other areas of Bangladesh because most of the owners were educated and concerned about the prevention of diseases. Moreover, the higher susceptibility of the contagious viral diseases influenced them to vaccinate their pets.
On the other hand, deworming rate was not that satisfactory (42%). So digestive disorders due to parasitic infestation was common in those cats which missed their deworming schedule or never had any anthelmintic.
4.5: Veterinary visitation:
Suitable nutrition and housing provide minimize the stress of cats but only these can’t make cats free from diseases. Their health condition needs to be maintained through proper hygiene, scheduled vaccination, deworming etc. In urban society hygiene is maintained almost properly in most cases. Still several health issues were found among the cats came at TTPHRC like respiratory problems, gastro intestinal (GI) disorder, high rise syndrome (HRS), skin diseases, fracture, reproductive problems, eye, liver, kidney, urinary problems, accidental injury, worm infestation, FIP, FPV, lordosis, tumor, gingivitis etc. Some of the cats came for vaccination only. Few came for pregnancy check, castration or spaying. The variety of diseases indicates susceptibility to various pathogens. Less deworming rate and maintenance of vaccination schedule also increased the rate of disease susceptibility. Among these, cats with different skin problems, FIP, FPV, GI disorder, pregnancy check, stroke and fracture also visited veterinarian within last one month. Most of the pet owners of our study population followed control measures against ecto-parasite as the climate favors the growth and multiplication of ecto-parasite in hairy animals like pets. Most of them have a preference in shampooing their pet animals with acaricides. But proper timing is not followed to control ecto-parasite which is in agreement with the other study[ CITATION Mil09 \l 1033 ].
Limitations
The study was being done within a short period of time and in a limited area. So the conclusions might not represent the scenario of the whole country.
Conclusion
As urbanization is rising day by day in Bangladesh, pet-raising is also getting popular mostly among the students. A pet can be a great companion in our present monogamous families. This study will aid students interested in the fields of veterinary medicine, pet animal nutrition, common diseases of cats and their prevention and will encourage vets in pet animal practice.
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Appendix Questionnaire
NAME CONTACT ADDRESS AGE BREED SEX B.W.
TYPES OF ANIMALS NUMBER OF PET(S)
GENERAL INFORMATION OF CAT:
NO. OF CAT:
NEUTERED: YES/NO
FEEDING PRACTICES OF CAT:
FEED TYPE: HOME COOKED/COMMERCIAL/MIXED COMMERCIAL FEED TYPE: DRY/MOIST/CANNED HEALTH STATUS OF CAT:
HYGIENE PRACTICE: YES/NO VACCINATION: YES/NO
DEWORMING: YES/NO HOUSING SYSTEM:
INTENSIVE
SEMI-INTENSIVE
REASON(S) FOR LAST VISIT TO VET PRESENT PROBLEM(S)
The author wishes to express his sincere gratitude to his esteemed teacher and supervisor, DR. Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Professor, Teaching and Training Pet Hospital and Research Center (TTHPRC), Purbachal, Dhaka, for his academic guidance, considerate supervision, priceless counsel, and sound judgment throughout all phases of the study. The author wishes to express his sincere gratitude and respect to Professor Dr. A. K. M. Saifuddin, Director of External Affairs, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and Professor Dr. Mohammad Lutfur Rahman, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University for allowing their facilitation to continue this internship program.
Finally, a special thanks to Dr. Abdul Mannan, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer and Director (In-Charge) of the TTHPRC in Purbachal, Dhaka for his approval and assistance.
Biography
Aneek Chanda, a student pursuing his graduation in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) under the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, is the son of Mr. Ashim Chanda and Mrs.
Archana Chowdhury. He earned his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) from Chittagong Govt. High School in 2012 and his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) from Bangladesh Navy College, Chittagong in 2014. He is now doing his yearlong internship program. He has great interest in pet animals and research and wishes to lead his carrier according to his interest.
