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

ObjectivesThe objectives 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.MethodsAn anonymous nationwide online survey of French cat owners was conducted (n = 1,566). The owner's personality was assessed using the French version of the Big Five Inventory (BFI-Fr). 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 (i.e., 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 openness to experience (OR 1.19 [1.01-1.41]). and lower conscientiousness (OR 0.80 [0.67-0.95]), associated with non-conventional feeding. Daily cooking (OR 1.49 [1.17-1.91]) and access to autonomous enrichment devices (OR 1.74 [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 [0.35-0.87]). Training activities with the cat (OR 2.40 [1.32-4.18]) and owning a purebred cat (OR 2.10 [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. Recognizing these differences may help veterinarians adapt their communication and facilitate dialogue regarding feeding decisions in the interest of feline health.