Veterinary-led interventions and owner perceptions of male cat sterilization: Insights from a community-based initiative in Malang, Indonesia
Background and Aim: Male cat sterilization is often neglected in feline population control strategies due to cultural beliefs, logistical barriers, and misconceptions, especially in developing urban areas. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a veterinary-led, community-based interventi...
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Veterinary World
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Veterinary World |
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| Online Access: | https://www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.18/July-2025/32.pdf |
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| author | Albiruni Haryo Handayu Untari |
| author_facet | Albiruni Haryo Handayu Untari |
| author_sort | Albiruni Haryo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background and Aim: Male cat sterilization is often neglected in feline population control strategies due to cultural beliefs, logistical barriers, and misconceptions, especially in developing urban areas. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a veterinary-led, community-based intervention in Malang, Indonesia, to promote male cat sterilization, improve owner compliance, and explore sociocultural influences on participation.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among owners of non-pedigree male cats (6 months to 5 years old) in the Greater Malang area. Data were collected through a validated online questionnaire asse-ssing demographic characteristics, sterilization readiness, compliance behavior, and sociocultural perceptions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while open-ended responses underwent thematic analysis.
Results: Out of 182 potential respondents, 99 met the inclusion criteria and proceeded with the intervention. A 99% compliance rate was achieved (98/99), supported by strong community engagement and clear procedural guidelines. Education level, previous pet ownership, and affiliation with animal welfare organizations had a significant influence on compliance (p < 0.05). Barriers for non-compliant individuals included scheduling conflicts, financial constraints, and surgical apprehension. Thematic analysis revealed that cultural beliefs about masculinity and religious ambiguity were common deterrents, but community outreach and peer influence effectively shifted perceptions.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that structured, culturally attuned, veterinary-led community interventions can achieve high compliance in male cat sterilization. Strategic partnerships with local organizations, transparent communication, and logistical support are key to success. Findings support the integration of such programs into broader One Health initia-tives, emphasizing responsible pet ownership, zoonotic disease mitigation, and sustainable management of urban animal populations. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2d93d1a6376a43f5bdfaf91a6696b8a6 |
| institution | Matheson Library |
| issn | 0972-8988 2231-0916 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Veterinary World |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Veterinary World |
| spelling | doaj-art-2d93d1a6376a43f5bdfaf91a6696b8a62025-07-31T15:18:55ZengVeterinary WorldVeterinary World0972-89882231-09162025-07-011872113212610.14202/vetworld.2025.2113-2126Veterinary-led interventions and owner perceptions of male cat sterilization: Insights from a community-based initiative in Malang, IndonesiaAlbiruni Haryo0https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1003-6448Handayu Untari1https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5765-0837Department of Veterinary Pathology Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia.Department of Veterinary Pathology Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia.Background and Aim: Male cat sterilization is often neglected in feline population control strategies due to cultural beliefs, logistical barriers, and misconceptions, especially in developing urban areas. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a veterinary-led, community-based intervention in Malang, Indonesia, to promote male cat sterilization, improve owner compliance, and explore sociocultural influences on participation. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among owners of non-pedigree male cats (6 months to 5 years old) in the Greater Malang area. Data were collected through a validated online questionnaire asse-ssing demographic characteristics, sterilization readiness, compliance behavior, and sociocultural perceptions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while open-ended responses underwent thematic analysis. Results: Out of 182 potential respondents, 99 met the inclusion criteria and proceeded with the intervention. A 99% compliance rate was achieved (98/99), supported by strong community engagement and clear procedural guidelines. Education level, previous pet ownership, and affiliation with animal welfare organizations had a significant influence on compliance (p < 0.05). Barriers for non-compliant individuals included scheduling conflicts, financial constraints, and surgical apprehension. Thematic analysis revealed that cultural beliefs about masculinity and religious ambiguity were common deterrents, but community outreach and peer influence effectively shifted perceptions. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that structured, culturally attuned, veterinary-led community interventions can achieve high compliance in male cat sterilization. Strategic partnerships with local organizations, transparent communication, and logistical support are key to success. Findings support the integration of such programs into broader One Health initia-tives, emphasizing responsible pet ownership, zoonotic disease mitigation, and sustainable management of urban animal populations.https://www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.18/July-2025/32.pdfcommunity-based interventioncompliance behaviorcultural beliefsmale cat sterilizationone healthurban animal controlveterinary outreach |
| spellingShingle | Albiruni Haryo Handayu Untari Veterinary-led interventions and owner perceptions of male cat sterilization: Insights from a community-based initiative in Malang, Indonesia Veterinary World community-based intervention compliance behavior cultural beliefs male cat sterilization one health urban animal control veterinary outreach |
| title | Veterinary-led interventions and owner perceptions of male cat sterilization: Insights from a community-based initiative in Malang, Indonesia |
| title_full | Veterinary-led interventions and owner perceptions of male cat sterilization: Insights from a community-based initiative in Malang, Indonesia |
| title_fullStr | Veterinary-led interventions and owner perceptions of male cat sterilization: Insights from a community-based initiative in Malang, Indonesia |
| title_full_unstemmed | Veterinary-led interventions and owner perceptions of male cat sterilization: Insights from a community-based initiative in Malang, Indonesia |
| title_short | Veterinary-led interventions and owner perceptions of male cat sterilization: Insights from a community-based initiative in Malang, Indonesia |
| title_sort | veterinary led interventions and owner perceptions of male cat sterilization insights from a community based initiative in malang indonesia |
| topic | community-based intervention compliance behavior cultural beliefs male cat sterilization one health urban animal control veterinary outreach |
| url | https://www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.18/July-2025/32.pdf |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT albiruniharyo veterinaryledinterventionsandownerperceptionsofmalecatsterilizationinsightsfromacommunitybasedinitiativeinmalangindonesia AT handayuuntari veterinaryledinterventionsandownerperceptionsofmalecatsterilizationinsightsfromacommunitybasedinitiativeinmalangindonesia |