Feline management practices and resource provision in the UK: A questionnaire-based study of 565 caregivers

Abstract

Background: Guidelines stating the requirements of an appropriate and healthy feline environment may not always be followed, with resource allocation and distribution misunderstood, reducing welfare and potentially resulting in problem behaviours. Methods: A 35-question online survey examining diet, provision of the five pillars of feline environmental needs and problem behaviours was conducted. Analysis was performed to assess recommendation compliance and associations between resource provision and problem behaviours. Results: Surveys from 565 households were analysed. Most (56.1%) households had two or more cats, and 58.2% of cats had outdoor access. A resting place providing privacy (pillar 1) was provided by 94.5% of households. While key resources were generally provided (pillar 2), deviation from guidance included sharing of food (19.9%) and water (69.4%) bowls in multi-cat homes and providing fewer litter trays than cats (83.1%). Two-thirds of households (66.4%) reported problem behaviours, most frequently scratching furniture, which, along with inappropriate urination, was significantly more frequent in multi-cat homes. Limitations: The study's design may have resulted in selection bias, and the wording of some survey questions may have been open to misinterpretation. Conclusions: Adherence to guidance for a feline healthy environment was fragmented in this population, and two-thirds reported problem behaviours. Further exploration of barriers to adherence and improvements in caregiver and veterinary professional education on appropriate feline environments could reduce problem behaviours.