Veterinary pet census

Re: Veterinary pet census

Catherine Williams — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 13:54:46 GMT

Semi-long hair isn't a breed, it's a group. Cats are split into short hair, oriental, semi-longhair + long hair, in the same way as dogs are split into hounds, terriers, gundogs etc. Just a way of grouping breed types - semi-longhair reflects the coat type rather than just length - there's a different quality to the coat (not quite so disasterous for matting as persians). I've got Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons, both semi-long hairs. It is bunching several breeds together which may be why they topped the tables because I don't see that many Wegies, Coons and Birmans in consults and I'm the only vet in our practice with them. (I do have the standard practice acquired damaged moggies as well! ;-) )

Re: Veterinary pet census

Rob Davis — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 10:59:32 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]

[quote user="Rob Davis"]Semi-longhair is just a slightly hairy domestic shorthair (ie crossbreed)![/quote]

Uh?

According to the cat fancy, that category includes the Birman, Maine Coon, Siberian etc. Those aren't crossbreed, are they?

[/quote]

OK, I understand now (I can be a bit slow sometimes!). However, I would still argue that semi-longhair is not a breed - why are Birmans, Maine Coons etc all lumped together when other breeds are listed separately? Small point, probably not worth arguing over.

Overall I agree that anything which puts a positive spin on the profession is a good thing.

Re: Veterinary pet census

Alan Tevendale — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 17:05:39 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]

At the most basic level, to get some media coverage that mentions veterinary surgeons, to remind people about their vet!
To convey the idea that if people are thinking of buying a pet, a vet is a good person to talk to first

[/quote]

I thinks these are really good ideas and certainly can't do anything other than help both potential pet owners and the pubilcs perception of the profession.

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]

To point out that vets are not money-grabbing as sometimes portrayed; they give homes to vast numbers of rescue animals.

[/quote]

I doubt we will be changing many minds here. I think most people who are open to the idea of coming to their vet for advice are not the kind of people who think vets are money grabbing.

On the whole I think any positive publicity is a good idea and certainly will support your efforts Arlo.

Re: Veterinary pet census

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:27:29 GMT

Anyone else like to comment on the story in general?

Just to reiterate, my objective isn't to try and change the world with this one little story, but use it as part of an ongoing effort to balance some of the negative stories that have become more common in recent years. In particular:

At the most basic level, to get some media coverage that mentions veterinary surgeons, to remind people about their vet!
To convey the idea that if people are thinking of buying a pet, a vet is a good person to talk to first
To point out that vets are not money-grabbing as sometimes portrayed; they give homes to vast numbers of rescue animals.
To make people think about giving a rescue dog a home
To highlight some of the medical problems that come with some breeds.

Re: Veterinary pet census

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:49:03 GMT

[quote user="Mark Hedberg"]

It seems that many vets prefer crossbred pets, while quite a few of their clients adore purebreds. It's an interesting disconnect!

[/quote] Born from negative practical experience of pedigree breeds and breeders no doubt!

Re: Veterinary pet census

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:29:45 GMT

[quote user="Rob Davis"]Semi-longhair is just a slightly hairy domestic shorthair (ie crossbreed)![/quote]

Uh?

According to the cat fancy, that category includes the Birman, Maine Coon, Siberian etc. Those aren't crossbreed, are they?

Re: Veterinary pet census

Rob Davis — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 12:28:47 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]80% of cats were domestic short hair (eg cross breed). 5% Semi-longhair, 2% Burmese, 2% British Shorthair, 2% Foreign, 1% Persian, 1% Siamese and .5% Oriental. 7% other. [/quote]

Semi-longhair is just a slightly hairy domestic shorthair (ie crossbreed)!

Re: Veterinary pet census

tess — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:23:44 GMT

My £15 collie/lab cross from the local farm (no, I didn't see the mother with the puppies) had just been diagnosed with hereditary cataracts aged 5. Oh, and she's neurotic about noise. My husband (not a vet) says we're having a pedigree Labrador next time...

Re: Veterinary pet census

Mark Hedberg — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:22:00 GMT

Not necessarily - it's good to illustrate the difference sometimes. It seems that many vets prefer crossbred pets, while quite a few of their clients adore purebreds. It's an interesting disconnect!

Re: Veterinary pet census

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:09:34 GMT

[quote user="Mark Hedberg"]I know I'm being pedantic, but my own pets are far from perfect. Like myself. So I know you're looking for a catchy headline, but saying vets pick perfect pets is like saying a survey picked the perfect car. Their favorite pets? Heck yes![/quote]

Hmm, aaarm, yes, well.

Not sure I quite agree, though I see the point you're making.

I'd argue that because this survey is of an especially well-informed group of people, one can infer that on the balance of probabilities, you'll make better choices than the public at large, and it is therefore fair to use the headline I have. That doesn't mean to say that a few of you won't have a complete horror of a pet!

You have picked up on the very important aspect of this, which is that (whilst subjective), 'Mongrels are vets' favourite', is not as strong as 'Survey of veterinary surgeons finds Britain's perfect pet'.

Re: Veterinary pet census

Mark Hedberg — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:00:03 GMT

I know I'm being pedantic, but my own pets are far from perfect. Like myself. So I know you're looking for a catchy headline, but saying vets pick perfect pets is like saying a survey picked the perfect car. Their favorite pets? Heck yes!

Re: Veterinary pet census

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:57:21 GMT

[quote user="Rob Davis"]What's a "Semi-longhair"? What were the results for cats?[/quote]

Semi-longhair is a category of breeds as follows: http://www.gccfcats.org/breeds.html

80% of cats were domestic short hair (eg cross breed). 5% Semi-longhair, 2% Burmese, 2% British Shorthair, 2% Foreign, 1% Persian, 1% Siamese and .5% Oriental. 7% other.

[quote user="Julie Innes"]Our practice cat (who comes home with me every weekend) was definitely not chosen with his attributes as a "family pet" in mind![/quote]

I was just trying to reflect the point raised by someone here (in an earlier thread), that veterinary surgeons are not giving rescue animals a home because they are better qualified to do so (i.e. we don't want the public to think you need to be a vet to give a home to a rescue animal).

Anyone else have any thoughts about the draft release?

Re: Veterinary pet census

Julie Innes — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 20:53:26 GMT

One remarkable finding was the number of rescue animals owned by vets. 75% of the cats they've given a home to and 44% of the dogs are rescued. Arlo Guthrie said: "Imagine if doctors were that charitable with their patients. Joking aside, it does highlight the importance of re-homing a rescue animal if you can. Vets don't do it because they're somehow better qualified; they pick family pets for the same reasons as you and I."

/quote]

This made me laugh a little! Our practice cat (who comes home with me every weekend) was definitely not chosen with his attributes as a "family pet" in mind! he kind of came to us..he is a nightmare with clients and my kids alike!! But we love him anyway

Re: Veterinary pet census

Rob Davis — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:38:06 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]Amongst cats, the Semi-longhair was the most popular breed, followed by the Burmese and the British Shorthair.[/quote]

What's a "Semi-longhair"? What were the results for cats?