Cats are one of the most popular pets around, but they are also wild animals. Feline Behaviour and Welfare, focusing on behaviour and well-being, looks at the feline genus as a whole and how our understanding of the domestic cat can help explain wild cat characteristics, and vice versa. Different behaviours are described to indicate what constitutes good welfare in the cat, while the origins of cat behaviour are discussed from an evolutionary basis. Feline Behaviour and Welfare also covers current topics such as welfare issues with feral cats and human-cat interactions. Providing a veterinary perspective as well as an ethological one, this is an important read for veterinarians, shelter workers, animal behaviourists and students of veterinary medicine and animal welfare, while also being of interest to pet owners.
1. Introduction
2. Roots of Well-being
3. Feline Neuroethology
4. Steps through Life
5. Basic Activities
6. Association and Reproduction
7. Giant Wild Cats
8. Principal Species of Wild Cats
9. Minor Wild Cat Species
10. Comparative Features
11. Abnormal Behaviour and Training
12. Health Monitoring
13. Points of Welfare
14. Review of Well-being
"Felines are creatures that give special biodiversity to the world, and have their natural roles in balance of nature in virtually all parts of the world. This book is another enrichment of the literature on behaviour of cats. It shows
the urgent need for their protection worldwide; it improves our knowledge and understanding of their special life styles."
– Eva Baranyiova, Agricultura Tropica Et Subtropica, 46/1, 34, 2013
"Fraser presents a commonsense discussion of feline behaviour and welfare. Recommended"
– Choice
"The strengths of this book are the information provided regarding comparative behaviour among wild and domestic cats and welfare-related issues."
– JAVMA