180 © T. Atkinson, 2018. Practical Feline Behaviour (T. Atkinson)
Owners, breeders, and veterinary staff are not the only people involved with the care of
cats. Cat carers also include cattery owners/workers, shelter staff, cat sitters and anyone
involved with the recent and increasing trend of cat cafés. Admittedly all these roles are
worthy of their own ‘advice’ chapters but unfortunately there is not enough space to allow
for this. Therefore, I have combined advice for all other cat carers into one chapter.
General Advice for All
Whatever role you are already involved in or considering becoming involved in, it is
advisable to gain as much knowledge as you can about feline behaviour and the behav-
ioural and welfare needs of cats. This book will hopefully help to some extent, but further
study is always advisable, especially in the areas of feline behaviour that are most
relevant to you and your cat carer role. There is a lot of information that can be gathered
from books and the internet, but the standard and accuracy of such information can vary.
Therefore, it is essential that you get the information you need from a reputable source
(see the list of useful websites and the recommended reading list at the back of this book).
Basic behavioural and welfare needs
There are some basic factors of which all cat carers must be aware. All cats need:
● Space: a feral cat can have a natural range of around 2 km^2 (Gourkow et al.,
2014). Although most cats can cope with much less, the more severe the confine-
ment the greater the potential damage to the cat’s overall welfare.
● The opportunity to engage in natural behaviours.
● To feel safe. All cat carers should be aware of what are real, potential or perceived threats for
cats and how to avoid or reduce them, or provide the cat with sanctuary from such threats.
● Predictability and control. Unpredictable care and husbandry procedures can be
a major source of stress for cats. It is also important that they feel they have some
level of control over their environment and their interactions with others.
Advice for Shelters and Catteries
Location of cat housing
● In a quiet area. Well away from sounds that may be perceived as threatening or
disturbing; for example, barking dogs, machinery, loud sounds of human origin –
traffic noise, loud music, children playing, etc.
12. Advice for Other Cat Carers
