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

Owner personality traits significantly influence non-conventional feline diet adoption; veterinarians should adapt communication accordingly.

This French observational study examined the relationship between owner personality traits and non-conventional feline feeding practices using an online survey of 1,566 cat owners. Personality was assessed using the Big Five Inventory (BFI-Fr). Results indicated that owners choosing non-conventional diets (starch-free, meat-only, grain-free, raw, or vegetarian) demonstrated higher openness to experience and lower conscientiousness. Daily cooking and access to enrichment devices were also positively associated with non-conventional feeding adoption. Owners incorporating fresh meat-based foods exhibited lower agreeableness and were more likely to engage in training activities with their cats and own purebred cats. The study suggests owner personality significantly influences dietary choices for cats. These findings have implications for veterinary practice, indicating that understanding owner personality types may facilitate more effective communication regarding nutritional recommendations and enable veterinarians to tailor counseling strategies when discussing feeding decisions with cat owners.

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