Environmental Aspects of Domestic Cat Care and Management: Implications for Cat Welfare

Abstract

Domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) are the most commonly kept companion animals in the US with large populations of owned (86 million), free-roaming (70 million), research (13,000), and shelter (2-3 million) cats. Vast numbers of cats are maintained in homes and other facilities each year and are reliant on humans for all of their care. Understanding cat behavior and providing the highest quality environments possible, including positive human-cat interactions, based on research could help improve the outcomes of biomedical research, shelter adoptions, and veterinary care, as well as overall cat welfare. Often, however, cats' needs are inadequately met in homes and some aspects may also not be well met in research colonies and shelters, despite the fact that similar problems are likely to be encountered in all of these environments. This paper provides a brief overview of common welfare challenges associated with indoor housing of domestic cats. Essential considerations for cage confinement are reviewed, along with implications of poor cat coping, such as weakening of the human-animal bond and relinquishment to shelters. The important role that environmental management plays in cat behavior and welfare outcomes is explored along with the need for additional research in key areas.

Feline feeding programs: Addressing behavioural needs to improve feline health and wellbeing

“…The indoor cat Many pet cats worldwide live indoors, but a solely indoor lifestyle can prevent normal behaviors such as hunting and foraging, which negatively impacts a cat's welfare. 4,9,10 In fact, it has been documented that behavioral problems are more common in cats without access to the outdoors. 4 Most indoor cats need to rely on humans for food provision.…”

“…Puzzle feeders (also called food puzzles) are objects that hold food and must be manipulated by the cat to release the food. Using puzzle feeders and hiding kibbles around the home increases activity, provides mental and physical stimulation, 10,14 and improves weight management without contributing to patient and owner distress. 1,21 A large range of puzzle feeders are available commercially (Figure 1), 1049_1055_Consensus_Statement_revised.qxp_FAB 26/10/2018 09:43 Page 1050…”

Enriquecimento Ambiental para felinos em cativeiro: classificação de técnicas, desafios e futuras direções

“…As interações homem-gato também são consideradas como um enriquecimento social. A qualidade e quantidade de interações positivas entre animais e humanos são ambas relevantes ao bem--estar de felinos silvestres ou domésticos em cativeiro (Stella & Croney, 2016). Philips et al (2017) descobriram em seu estudo que os tratadores são capazes de avaliar estados emocionais como medo, agressão, vigilância e obediência em grandes felinos cativos.…”

Coping Styles in the Domestic Cat (Felis silvestris catus) and Implications for Cat Welfare

“…Cats face many challenges to their welfare when housed in cages in veterinary hospitals, shelters, or laboratories. These include physical components of the housing environment, such as temperature, noise, cage size, hiding and perching opportunities (or lack thereof) as well as the social environment, including the quality of the human–cat interactions, presence of unfamiliar cats, or other animals such as dogs [1,2,3,4]. Assessing individual differences in response to stressors during confinement may aid caretakers in making decisions that meet cats’ individual needs, thereby enhancing their welfare.…”