Veterinarian attitudes towards immunocontraceptive use in cats.

BACKGROUND: The continuously expanding global cat population poses concerns to public health, native ecosystems and individual animal welfare. These concerns have led to additional management strategies to reduce unowned cat numbers, including the development of feline immunocontraceptives. Use of these contraceptives could also provide pet owners with alternatives to surgical sterilisation. However, the implementation of immunocontraceptives into feline medicine requires the support of the veterinary community. AIMS: The aim of this research was to evaluate the current global attitudes and interests held by veterinarians towards immunocontraceptive use in cats to guide future research in the field. METHODS: A globally distributed survey was conducted assessing veterinarians' attitudes and practices regarding surgical sterilisation and the use of immunocontraceptives in feline populations as an alternative to surgical sterilisation. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 122 veterinarians across 11 countries. The majority, 59% of respondents, felt unfamiliar with immunocontraceptives. The main concerns included longevity of reproductive contraception (86% agreed), product efficacy (78% agreed) and cost (73% agreed). Overall, 61% of respondents reported they were more likely than unlikely to implement the use of feline immunocontraceptives should they become available in the future. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the majority of responding veterinarians were interested in utilising feline immunocontraceptives should they become available. This survey highlights the need for further high-quality research and education to improve practitioner knowledge regarding immunocontraceptive action, efficacy and safety in cats and to increase the likelihood of veterinarians utilising these therapies should they become licensed and available in the future.