A study on awareness of periodontal care in cats among pet owners at the Kuala Lumpur Veterinary Hospital

Muhammad Nazri K., . and Nurazreen Z., . and Azjeemah Bee S.H., . and Nadia-Naimah A., . A study on awareness of periodontal care in cats among pet owners at the Kuala Lumpur Veterinary Hospital. pp. 56-60. ISSN 2180-3897

Periodontal disease is one of the common oral conditions in cats. Responsible cat owners should present their cats for periodontal check-up periodically and practice good oral care for their cats including hygiene and feeding. Therefore this study is to evaluate the level of awareness of periodontal care amongst feline pet owners visiting the Kuala Lumpur Veterinary Hospital (KLVH). The study involved 51 cat owners that presented their cats to KLVH for treatment randomly. Questionnaires were given to the respondents to evaluate their awareness on periodontal disease and oral hygiene practices for their cats. Results revealed that only six respondents (11.76) had at least a minimal knowledge on feline periodontal disease whilst 45 respondents (88.23) did not know anything about periodontal disease. The 45 respondents (88.23) had never practiced any oral care on their cats while six respondents (11.76) had some oral care regime such as oral rinse (3.92) rubbing teeth with cloth (5.88) and brushing (1.96). Nine respondents (17.65) brought their cat for treatments or checkup because of periodontal lesions while 42 respondents (82.35) presented their cats for other reasons. This study found a notable lack of awareness on periodontal care among cat owners that came to KLVH. This study recommends that (1) client education should be in place to make pet owners aware of their responsibilities in owning companion animals (2) extensive study be carried out to assess the awareness level in the country and (3) protocols be set in place in veterinary clinics to educate clients and prevent undue suffering to cats as a result of periodontal diseases. Thus animal welfare awareness can be highlighted as in line with current veterinary services.

Full text available from: Official URL: http://www.dvs.gov.my/dvs/resources/user_16/MJVR%2...

Abstract

Periodontal disease is one of the common oral conditions in cats. Responsible cat owners should present their cats for periodontal check-up periodically and practice good oral care for their cats including hygiene and feeding. Therefore this study is to evaluate the level of awareness of periodontal care amongst feline pet owners visiting the Kuala Lumpur Veterinary Hospital (KLVH). The study involved 51 cat owners that presented their cats to KLVH for treatment randomly. Questionnaires were given to the respondents to evaluate their awareness on periodontal disease and oral hygiene practices for their cats. Results revealed that only six respondents (11.76) had at least a minimal knowledge on feline periodontal disease whilst 45 respondents (88.23) did not know anything about periodontal disease. The 45 respondents (88.23) had never practiced any oral care on their cats while six respondents (11.76) had some oral care regime such as oral rinse (3.92) rubbing teeth with cloth (5.88) and brushing (1.96). Nine respondents (17.65) brought their cat for treatments or checkup because of periodontal lesions while 42 respondents (82.35) presented their cats for other reasons. This study found a notable lack of awareness on periodontal care among cat owners that came to KLVH. This study recommends that (1) client education should be in place to make pet owners aware of their responsibilities in owning companion animals (2) extensive study be carried out to assess the awareness level in the country and (3) protocols be set in place in veterinary clinics to educate clients and prevent undue suffering to cats as a result of periodontal diseases. Thus animal welfare awareness can be highlighted as in line with current veterinary services.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Cats
AGROVOC Term:	Household pets
AGROVOC Term:	Oral administration
AGROVOC Term:	Periodontal disease
AGROVOC Term:	Surveys
AGROVOC Term:	Questionnaires
AGROVOC Term:	Local knowledge
AGROVOC Term:	Animal hygiene
AGROVOC Term:	Animal health
AGROVOC Term:	Animal feeding
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:54
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/8175

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