The Value of a Statistical Life of a Cat: Owner Demographics and Management Practices Impacting Willingness to Pay for Welfare Measures.

Abstract

This study estimates the Value of a Statistical Life of a cat (VSLC) in Kamloops, British Columbia, to inform animal welfare policies and community-level interventions. Using a contingent valuation survey, we assessed cat owners' willingness to pay (WTP) for control measures aimed at reducing the risk of premature death among outdoor cats. We compared WTP between indoor and outdoor cat owners and examined how demographic and attitudinal factors influenced WTP. The mean VSLC was approximately $8,000 among those willing to pay, and about $4,000 when non-payers were included. Notably, VSLC estimates were similar for both indoor and outdoor cat owners, suggesting that WTP reflects broader community concern for cat welfare rather than individual pet ownership circumstances. Regression results indicated that higher WTP was significantly associated with female gender, household income, concern for local wildlife, and support for cat licensing. These findings provide an economic basis for policies promoting responsible pet ownership and risk reduction for outdoor cats.