Exploring Dog and Cat Management Practices in Multispecies Households and Their Association with the Pet-Owner Relationship

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate differences and similarities of the pet–owner relationship and management of dogs and cats living in the same household. An online survey was completed by 1270 individuals who owned both dog(s) and cat(s). Most of the respondents owned only one dog (56.4%) but two or more cats (63.1%; p < 0.001). Moreover, cats were acquired earlier and were more likely to be neutered than dogs (p < 0.001). The neutering rate was also affected by breed (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.05), and the number of pets owned (p < 0.05). Two types of owners were identified according to how they managed their pets: owners who keep cats both indoors and outdoors and dogs indoors (65.3%) and owners who keep cats indoors and dogs outdoors (34.7%). The former group was characterized by a higher percentage of owners younger than 25 years (p < 0.01), owners with more than one dog or cat, large dogs (p < 0.001), and intact (p < 0.04) and mix-breed cats (p < 0.001). Finally, most respondents described the relationship with their cats (93.0%) and dogs (97.0%) as “loving” or “friendly”. Keeping cats indoors (p < 0.05) and allowing dogs and cats to sleep in the owners’ bedroom were associated with a stronger perceived pet–owner bond. Implications for cat and dog welfare are discussed.