Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The cat (Felis silvestris catus) introduced itself to our society roughly 11 500 – 12 500 years ago in the shape of the African wildcat ( Felis silvestris lybica ). It quickly found a place among us, functioning as pest control, and later on as a pet. Today cats stand as the most common pet in Sweden, residing in over 750 000 Swedish households. There are however numerous cats in need of a home and this is taking its toll on our cat shelters. Cat shelters are usually overcrowded by unwanted animals and they often lack the resources to accommodate all of the cat’s needs. Boarding catteries are also becoming much more common, providing vacationers a safe haven for their cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the Swedish legislation demands on cat shelters and boarding catteries while also investigating the behaviours and needs usually shown by cats in these environments. These needs were then taken into consideration to suggest a way to optimize cat welfare, and, if possible, doing so without compromising the limited resources available at cat shelters and boarding catteries. The result lists important criteria needed to be fulfilled in order to both start and operate any of these types of facilities. It also shows that stress is a common problem for cats in these environments and that it can give rise to welfare problems such as poor self-maintenance behaviour, lower activity and diseases. Ways to counteract these welfare issues are the use of enrichment, social contact and increased pen size. It is also noticed that there are several factors involved when it comes to adoption. Some traits seems to be deemed as ”undesired”, such as dark fur or older age. Different ways to improve animal welfare is discussed, using the criteria of the ”Five Freedoms” as requirements for good welfare. Several enrichment options are considered, such as toys, food puzzles, social contact, access to heights and visual enrichment. Differences in the amount of stress caused by single and multi-cat housing are discussed with the recommendation that single housing is used unless a stable group with socialized cats can be guaranteed. Finally, different methods for improving cat shelter's adoption rates are mentioned, such as free adoption and various ways to spark the interest of would-be cat owners.