Animal welfare provisions in cattery: an observational study

Abstract

The present study had the objective of proposing adaptations for a permanent housing environment for neutered cats. Priorities and management practices were characterized by better animals health and quality of life. An animal observation survey was carried out on two different types of catteries: A, where the animals had an environment with greater freedom of movement, and cattery B, with animals with a reduced environment. The problems encountered in each were observed, such as sanitary, nutritional, and especially environmental management. Behavior was taken into account, according to the environment experienced by domestic cats castrated in confinement in the two different types of catteries. Based on the frequency and behavioral sequence of the groups analyzed, it was concluded that the environment of the cattery A promoted greater well-being of the animals.