This is an idea that makes some sense but which is rarely if ever discussed online. Cats have good memories and it is argued that they can link bad experiences to one or other of the human genders.
Perhaps the word ‘hate’ is too strong. Perhaps some cats might become ‘wary’ of women where once they’d have become wary of men due to a distressing experience at a veterinary clinic. There has been a marked shift in veterinarian demographics in the USA and UK to take a couple of examples. You are far more likely to encounter a female vet than a male in 2024.
In the past I have argued that men don’t see the veterinary profession as paying well enough in the context of the lengthy training while women are generally less concerned about remuneration than men and more interested in animal welfare (nurturing).
It depends on the cat’s character and the experience quite clearly as to whether they develop the fear suggested but there may be a hidden influence here on the domestic cat’s character.
Although, arguably, a woman’s general demeanour and higher pitched voice are more in tune with a cat’s preferences. But these positives might on occasions be cancelled out by the retraining and ‘manhandling’ (ironic use of words) which occur at a veterinary clinic.
The point being made is that cats can’t link the treatment that they received at the vet which was likely to be distressing with the health benefits that they enjoy later. They simply record a distressing experience.
On a linked but separate topic, often the background of a rescue cat is unknown to the rescuer and adopter. During this pre-rescue life there may have been some bad experiences linked to one human gender or the other. This may colour the cat’s responses to the presence of men or women in their lives going forward.
It is likely that these learned responses can be unlearnt through excellent cat caregiving but they might not be.
More: women – in the context of the human-to-cat relationship.
The shift towards a female-dominated veterinary profession is due to a combination of social, cultural, and educational factors:
1. Increased Female Enrollment in Higher Education
- Over the past few decades, more women have pursued higher education, particularly in fields like biology and health sciences, which align closely with veterinary medicine. This trend has led to higher female enrollment in veterinary schools globally.
2. Changing Perceptions and Opportunities
- Historically, veterinary medicine was male-dominated, focusing heavily on large-animal practice, which involved physically demanding tasks. The profession has since diversified, with more roles in small-animal practice, public health, and research, making it more appealing to a broader demographic.
- Societal shifts toward greater gender equality have also encouraged women to enter and excel in professions previously dominated by men.
3. Appeal of Veterinary Medicine to Women
- Surveys suggest that women are often drawn to careers involving care and nurturing, qualities inherent in veterinary medicine. This intrinsic interest has contributed to the growing number of women entering the field.
4. Supportive Educational and Professional Environments
- Veterinary schools and professional organizations have actively worked to create more inclusive environments, which have facilitated the rise of women in the field.
5. Shifts in Industry Demand
- The increasing demand for pet care and small-animal veterinarians has shifted the focus of the profession. This shift aligns with interests traditionally attributed to female practitioners, further encouraging women to enter these roles.
Overall, the convergence of these factors has driven the transformation of veterinary medicine into a predominantly female profession, reflecting broader societal and educational trends.
Question: Perhaps men think that being a veterinarian does not pay well enough while women are less concerned about being paid well.
The perception that veterinary medicine does not pay well compared to the cost of education is a factor that may influence men’s interest in the field. Here’s an analysis:
1. Economic Considerations
- Education Costs vs. Earnings: Veterinary school is expensive, with students graduating with significant debt—often exceeding $150,000 in the U.S. Meanwhile, starting salaries for veterinarians, though respectable, are lower compared to other professional degrees like medicine, dentistry, or engineering. This financial disparity might deter men, who, statistically, may prioritize higher earnings in career selection.
- Gender Differences in Salary Expectations: Studies suggest that men, on average, place a higher priority on earning potential when choosing careers, whereas women might prioritize job satisfaction, work-life balance, or roles that align with personal values.
2. Satisfaction Over Salary
- Veterinary medicine is often chosen for its alignment with values like care for animals and community service. Women may find the emotional fulfillment of helping animals more compelling, even if the financial rewards are moderate, whereas men might gravitate toward careers with higher monetary returns.
3. Cultural Influences
- Historically, the perception of caregiving roles as more suited to women could play a role in how the profession is viewed by men. This societal bias might steer men away from veterinary medicine despite its diversity of opportunities.
4. Future Trends
- Efforts to increase awareness about the diverse and lucrative career paths in veterinary medicine—such as research, pharmaceutical work, and management—might help balance the gender ratio by attracting more men.
Ultimately, economic and cultural factors combine to shape the gender trends in veterinary medicine, with perceptions of financial return likely playing a significant role.
Note: the above was prepared by AI based on extensive internet searches.
Final point: the declawing operation is hugely painful. If it is carried out by a female vet this might affect the cat for the remainder of their life.
