Cagliaritans are increasingly fond of pets : according to Changes Unipol research, developed by Ipsos, over half of the citizens, 64%, own at least one , a much higher figure than the Italian average of 56% of the country's inhabitants and which places Cagliari in second place in the national ranking.
In the Sardinian capital, the majority of owners declare they have at least one dog (45%), while 37% own at least one cat . The remaining 36% of residents are divided between those who don't have animals but would like to have them (10%) and those who have definitely chosen not to have any (26%).
Furthermore, 78% of the Cagliaritans interviewed see their pet as a family member in all respects.
Dogs and cats also seem to be particularly disciplined in Cagliari : the majority of owners (96%) say that their pet has never caused damage to people or things: this is the highest percentage among all Italian cities.
As for pros and cons, for the people of Cagliari the advantages prevail over the disadvantages in owning an animal : 91% of those interviewed identify positive aspects, while 77% find that there is at least one disadvantage. In detail, among the prevailing advantages is the fact that animals keep company (50% of cases) and that they bring happiness (49%). Among other benefits, the improvement of mental health (37%) and support for people with disabilities or illnesses (17%) are very important.
As for the disadvantages, the ones that weigh most heavily are the costs of care and feeding (according to 29% of those interviewed) and the need to find someone to entrust them to when you are away (27%). Another very felt disadvantage is that they make the house messy/dirty or ruin furniture and furnishings (15%).
As for the time dedicated, more than half of Cagliari residents with pets (60% vs 54% Italian average) declare that they dedicate from 1 to 3 hours a day to caring for their pet, with an average of around 2 hours a day.
The monthly expense for the maintenance of your pet in Cagliari is on average around 64 euros (excluding health and veterinary expenses), while as regards health expenses (vaccinations, visits, exams, interventions) the average per year is equal to 172 euros. Overall, therefore, the average annual expenditure for Cagliaritans amounts to 940 euros, slightly lower than the national average of 960 euros.
In Cagliari, compared to the rest of Italy, the idea that the majority of those who have pets consider them "substitutes" for their children is more widespread (27% vs 21%). From a personal point of view, however, 31% believe that a dog or a cat can replace a child, compared to 59% who do not think that this can happen.
(Unioneonline/vl)