KUALA LUMPUR, 1 April 2019 : An estimated 60% out of 2,000 cat owners do not take their cats to the veterinarian for preventive care, according to a survey commissioned by Royal Canin (RC) in 2018 to better understand cat owner’s beliefs and motivations. This number is mainly contributed to the lack of awareness among cat owners in Malaysia.

In conjunction with these findings, Royal Canin Malaysia has launched the MyCat2Vet Campaign, which aims to raise awareness and encourage cat owners to learn more about cat health and the importance of regular checkups.

Speaking at the campaign’s soft launch, Royal Canin Malaysia’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Dr. Melissa Phoon, who is also a veterinarian, said: “There is a good reason why owners tend to overlook the need to bring their cats to the vet. Cats have in their nature the ability to tolerate and mask signs of pain.   Thus many owners cannot recognize that their cat is sick.”

“By the time they recognize their cat is suffering, often time the disease would have progressed to severe stages and/or is too late to treat.” She said, the most common health issues involving cats are parasite infection; virus infection such as Feline Panleukopenia virus infection, Feline Leukemia Virus, and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus infection; and feline lower urinary tract disease, obesity, and kidney disease.

According to Dr. Phoon, the MyCat2Vet campaign, which was in collaboration with SPCA Selangor, would share common health and welfare topics with the public, including neutering, dental issues, and obesity.

She shared one of the survey’s most significant findings, which was that 40% of cat owners surveyed had never taken their cats to the veterinarian.

“They tend to think of cats as independent, self-sufficient and healthy and therefore there is no need to bring their cat to the vet for check-ups,” Phoon said.

“Our MyCat2Vet Campaign is designed to encourage pet owners to take their cats for check-ups as a preventive measure. Ultimately, both pet owners and cats could benefit.” Malaysian cat owners usually visit the veterinarian for vaccinations and whenever the cats fall sick.

Pet owners can gain many benefits throughout the campaign. From 1^st to 31^st March, Malaysian cat owners can participate in online contests to win vouchers worth RM 100 to bring their cats for neutering at registered veterinary clinics.

For every RM 200 purchase of Royal Canin Cat food at Pet Fiesta from 5^th to 7^th April held at the Setia Alam Convention Centre, a RM 100 discount coupon for neutering at registered vet clinics will be shared to cat owners. 200 coupons will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

For more information on the MyCat2Vet campaign, that runs until Dec 2019, pet parents can contact the MyCat2Vet Official Website: www.mycat2vet.my  or contact Royal Canin Malaysia via info@mycat2vet.my