Cat Ownership and Cat–Owner Interaction in Thailand

Abstract

Cat ownership is steadily increasing, presenting challenges related to appropriate human–cat interactions. Improper handling can affect cat welfare and lead to feline behavioral issues and health problems for both cats and owners, sometimes resulting in cat abandonment and contributing to broader social issues. Notably, research on human–cat interactions remains limited and has been conducted primarily in just a few countries, leaving a significant knowledge gap in regions such as Thailand, where the cat population is substantial. The aim of this study was to explore cat ownership and the interactions between cats and their owners in Thailand, emphasizing a range of related factors such as cat and owner characteristics, human–cat interactions, enrichments, and cat care practices. The research was conducted through a national online survey using Google Forms. Data collected included owner characteristics (gender, age, education level, knowledge, and experience), cat characteristics (sex, age, number of cats, neuter status, and body condition score), interactions (training, hugging, petting, kissing, traveling, playing, and separation periods), enrichment (scents, toys, climbing areas, scratchers, music, and games), and care practices (feeding, sleeping arrangements, litter boxes, living systems, vaccination, deworming, and probiotics). Results indicate that most cat owners in Thailand are young women. Households typically own 2–3 cats, which are usually neutered and receive appropriate care, including vaccinations and enrichment. Owners who actively sought out cat-related knowledge–mainly younger women with lower formal education but significant experience–were more likely to provide adequate enrichment, vaccination, deworming, and probiotics. However, many owners engaged in excessive petting, hugging, and kissing, behaviors that may increase the risk of petting-related aggression. This suggests that some owners may have acquired incorrect knowledge, emphasizing the need for proper educational resources to provide accurate information.