Owner personality traits associated with non-conventional feeding practices in domestic cats

ObjectivesThe objectives of the present study were to assess the association between owner personality traits and the owner-reported use of non-conventional diets in domestic cats (starch-free, meat-only, grain-free, raw or vegetarian), and to compare personality traits between owners reporting the incorporation of fresh meat-based foods and those relying exclusively on commercial diets.MethodAn anonymous nationwide online survey of French cat owners was conducted (n = 1566). The owner's personality was assessed using the French version of the Big Five Inventory. Two outcomes were defined: (1) use of a non-conventional diet (yes: n = 439) and (2) inclusion of fresh meat-based foods in the diet (ie, not exclusively commercial with fresh meat; yes: n = 61). Two multivariable logistic regression models were built, with owner personality traits as explanatory variables. Model 1 evaluated the likelihood of using a non-conventional diet, while model 2 assessed the likelihood of incorporating fresh meat in the diet.ResultsHigher Conscientiousness was associated with lower odds of feeding a non-conventional diet (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.67-0.95), whereas higher Openness was associated with higher odds (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.41). Daily cooking (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.17-1.91) and access to autonomous enrichment devices (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.11-2.84) were also positively associated with non-conventional feeding. Lower Agreeableness was associated with higher odds of including fresh meat in the diet (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.87). Training activities with the cat (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.32-4.18) and owning a purebred cat (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.10-3.82) were also positively associated with fresh meat feeding.Conclusions and relevanceThese results suggest that owners who choose non-conventional diets may present different personality traits. Recognising these differences may help veterinarians adapt their communication and facilitate dialogue regarding feeding decisions in the interest of feline health.