PDSA Cat Survey 2019 Highlights Responsible Ownership Gaps

The PDSA Wellbeing of Cats Survey Report 2019 offers critical insights into the current state of cat wellbeing and responsible ownership in the UK. Based on a survey of 10,000 UK adults, including 5,036 owners of cats, dogs, and rabbits, it highlights areas where many cat owners are still struggling to meet their pets' physical and emotional needs adequately.

This article summarises the 2019 PDSA findings, updating them with the latest insights into responsible cat ownership, veterinary care, and managing multi-cat households in 2025, offering guidance for UK cat owners who want to provide the best care possible for their feline companions.

Survey Background and Methodology

In early 2019, the PDSA surveyed a representative sample of the UK adult population, including both pet owners and non-owners, to gauge the overall pet ownership level and owners' knowledge. Approximately 50% of adults owned pets, with cats being a substantial part of this population.

The cat-specific section revealed knowledge gaps about health care, nutrition, environmental needs, and behavioural understanding among many cat owners. These findings emphasise the need for ongoing education and support from veterinary professionals and welfare organisations.

Current Vaccinations and Veterinary Care in UK Cats

Vaccination is essential to protect cats from common infectious diseases. However, the 2019 survey found only 61% of UK cats received their initial kitten vaccinations on time, and only 59% were reliably given annual boosters. Additionally, 16% went unregistered with any vet, leaving them vulnerable.
As of 2025, veterinary sources indicate about one-third of cats remain unvaccinated nationally, but 85% of cat owners now register their cats with a vet, showing progress in responsible healthcare management.

Vaccination costs in the UK vary widely, typically between £40 and £100 for initial kitten vaccinations and £40 to £60 for boosters, with discounts often available at charity clinics. Investing in regular vet care and vaccinations protects your cat’s long-term wellbeing.

Feeding Practices, Weight Management and Fitness

Proper nutrition directly influences your cat's lifespan and quality of life. According to the survey, 56% of cat owners did not know their cat’s current weight or how to assess its body condition correctly. The body condition score is a valuable tool to gauge feline health beyond just weight numbers.

Alarmingly, about 32% of owners feed their cats diets primarily consisting of unsuitable foods such as fish like tuna or prawns, cooked meat, or leftover human food. These feeding habits can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.

Owners should aim to feed a balanced, species-appropriate diet recommended by vets or feline nutrition experts, monitor their cat’s weight regularly, and encourage physical activity through play and enrichment to maintain optimal fitness.

Challenges and Solutions in Multi-Cat Households

Cats are naturally solitary animals and often do not seek the companionship of unrelated felines. The survey found that 43% of UK cats live in multi-cat households, but many suffer from stress due to inadequate resources and space.

Many multi-cat homes fail to provide sufficient beds, litter trays, food and water bowls – essential to reduce competition and stress. For example, 67% had only one litter tray, and 86% lacked enough food bowls. This resource scarcity can lead to behavioural problems and health issues.

Experts recommend providing one resource per cat plus one extra, placing them in various locations to minimise conflict. Multiple litter trays in quiet areas, separate feeding stations, ample beds, hiding spaces, scratching posts, and vertical climbing options create an enriched environment where cats can coexist peacefully.

Regular monitoring of cat interactions can help identify incompatibilities early, allowing owners to adjust the environment or seek behavioural advice as needed. In some cases, rehoming may be necessary to protect individual cat welfare.

Understanding and Respecting Natural Cat Behaviours

The report highlights that many owners wish to curb natural feline behaviours, such as scratching furniture (26%) or carpets (23%), cats bringing prey home (14%), begging for food (17%), or disrupting owners' sleep (17%).

It's crucial for cat welfare and a harmonious household that owners accept cats’ instinctive behaviours and provide appropriate outlets. For example, offering a variety of scratching posts and cat-friendly toys can protect your belongings while meeting your cat’s needs.

Patience, environmental enrichment, and positive reinforcement are key to managing behaviour without stress or punishment, contributing to a happy and trusting cat-human relationship.

Additional Insights and Frequent Questions About Cat Ownership

What age can kittens leave their mother?

Quick Answer: Kittens should ideally stay with their mother until at least 8 to 12 weeks of age.

This period is vital for social, physical, and immune system development. Early separation can cause behavioural and health problems. Responsible breeders and rescue centres follow these guidelines strictly to ensure welfare and proper development before adoption.

How often should a cat be wormed?

Quick Answer: Routine worming every 3 months is generally recommended for most cats.

Frequency may increase for outdoor, hunting cats, or those in multi-cat/multi-pet households at higher risk of parasitic infections. Consult your vet for personalised advice. Regular worming credits to reducing zoonotic risks and maintaining overall health.

What are signs my cat is stressed in a multi-cat home?

Quick Answer: Stress signs include hiding, aggression, inappropriate elimination, reduced grooming, and changes in appetite.

Multi-cat stress often stems from resource competition, territorial disputes, or lack of space. Providing sufficient resources, environmental enrichment, and monitoring behaviours can reduce stress. Veterinary behaviourists can offer support in persistent cases.

Conclusion

The PDSA Wellbeing of Cats Survey 2019 highlighted important gaps in responsible cat ownership in the UK, including vaccination shortfalls, inadequate nutrition, resource competition in multi-cat homes, and a lack of understanding and respect for feline natural behaviours. While progress has occurred since 2019, particularly in veterinary registration and owner awareness, challenges remain.

As a caring cat owner in 2025, staying informed of best practices in healthcare, feeding, environmental enrichment, and stress management is essential. If you are considering adding a cat to your family, always seek advice from reputable sources and provide your feline friend with a loving, well-resourced home to ensure their happiness and wellbeing throughout their life.