Attitudes Toward Cats 2009 Survey: Helping Cats Find Homes
A survey by the Morris Animal Foundation on the perceptions and attitudes toward cats finds that one quarter of respondents have a neutral opinion of cats while more than half harbor negative attitudes toward cats. Approximately 1 in 10 current non-cat owners would definitely or probably consider having a cat.
This online survey of 1,102 respondents found that more than one half of respondents had negative attitudes toward cats, due to negative behaviors which include “jumps on counters/tables,” “scratches furniture,” and “spits up hairballs.” These attitudes were driven by litter box smell, shedding, unprovoked biting, and the perceived inability for cats to harmoniously co-exist with other pets.
On the other hand, the top three positive behaviors include “likes to play,” “entertains itself,” and “makes people smile.” These attitudes are driven by the match between a person and a cat’s lifestyle, and the cat as a good pet for children.
Younger people (18-24) and single respondents had more positive attitudes toward cats than older or married respondents.
Note: Sampling methodology is not disclosed.