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This book - the third in a series on Animal Welfare - covers the major issues affecting the welfare of domestic cats. In western countries the cat has become one of the most popular pets, with its traditional role of rodent catcher being replaced by that of companion animal. Nevertheless, many situations remain where the welfare of cats raises concerns. This book, written by experts from the United Kingdom, the United States and Switzerland, presents up-to-date information on a broad array of topics. It covers recent developments in our understanding of cat behavior, considers the ways in which cat welfare is assessed, and addresses the successes and failures of the relationship between cats and humans, including feline behavior disorders. It also deals with the ever-increasing problem of stray and unwanted cats in shelters, the feral cat population, and the effects of housing, disease, nutrition, and breeding on cat welfare. Although the focus is largely on cats in developed countries, this book should also be of relevance in developing countries, where issues affecting the welfare of domestic animals - not only of livestock but also of companion animals - are beginning to be identified and addressed. This volume will be of interest to all those concerned with the welfare of cats, including veterinarians, animal behaviorists, animal welfare organizations and cat owners.
Customer Review: Comprehensive and scientifically researched
I found this book to be one of the few resources I have come across using a good combination of pleasant and well-written chapters with the scientific research to back them up. The author of each chapter provides an APA style reference list of the journal articles or books cited in that chapter. I'm truly compassionate about felines and issues concerning their welfare; but I am also a scientist and wish to pursue my goal to improve the welfare of felines grounded in peer-reviewed research rather than anthropomorphic ideals and folk wisdom. People enjoying this book may also like Turner & Bateson's "The Domestic Cat: The biology of its behaviour".


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