Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Cat owners are being invited to take part in a 糖心原创 study exploring their experiences of taking their pet to the vet and the treatment they received, including whether antibiotics were prescribed.
The research, being led by academics in the university’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science and funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), aims to improve understanding of how cat owners experience veterinary consultations, treatment recommendations and decisions about antibiotic use.
Antibiotics play a vital role in treating bacterial infections, but reducing unnecessary use is an important part of tackling antimicrobial resistance – a growing problem where bacteria become resistant to medicines, making infections harder to treat. It is one of the biggest health challenges facing both human and animal medicine. Recent national targets launched by the aim to reduce antibiotic use in dogs and cats over the next five years.
To inform the study, the Nottingham team reviewed existing research and conducted interviews with cat owners. These findings were used to develop a nationwide questionnaire exploring owners' experiences, expectations and views on veterinary treatment.
The researchers are particularly interested in hearing from cat owners who have recently visited a vet with their cat, regardless of whether antibiotics were prescribed.
Dr Marnie Brennan, Associate Professor in Epidemiology and Director of the Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine, said: “The perspectives of cat owners, or those who care for cats, are a really important consideration when decisions are being made about what treatment options might be suitable for a particular cat."
By taking part in this survey, cat owners have an opportunity to share their views and experiences of medicating cats, helping us to better understand their preferences and any challenges they face.
The study comes at a time of increased focus on antimicrobial stewardship within the veterinary profession. RUMA CA&E recently launched to support reductions in unnecessary antibiotic use in common companion animal conditions, including cat bite abscesses and fight wounds, where evidence suggests antibiotics are often not required in uncomplicated cases. The recently supported this approach during an interactive session at their BVA Live Annual Conference 2026.
Take part
Cat owners aged 18 and over in the UK are invited to complete the survey online and have until Friday 7 August to have their say
Complete the survey:
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and will help researchers better understand cat owners' experiences of veterinary care and treatment decisions.
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
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As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.