Risks and benefits to cats of free roaming versus containment

摘要: Free roaming domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) are widespread around the world. Whether they owned or not, their presence and management raises strong opinions between supporters of “cat independence”, advocates safety” defenders wildlife, leading to suggestions that should have freedom roam outdoors restricted. The aim this thesis was get a precise understanding concepts free containment in cats, meaning for relationship society living in, both from cats’ ‘point view’ perceptions owners, impact on cat welfare. Using variety approaches including survey, GPS tracking, behavioural tests an owner-based questionnaire, we showed although many people’s about depended residential location ownership status, risk road traffic accidents rated highly as concern by people regardless status. This perception matched behaviour themselves, who, home were observed frequently engage risky like frequent crossing. represents high wellbeing and, combined with other risks posed go outside, makes clear case need restrict cat’s behaviour, order protect its Given problems indoor only lifestyle, which may perhaps be greater than is widely recognised, there examining welfare effective system, restricts boundaries owner’s property (both minimising disruption community). Options limited, little currently known impact. Therefore I examined electronic system thought but also causes regarding effect first research such sought establish if concerns justified outweighed potential benefits. First, gathered initial information series, then carried out more comprehensive study larger sample cats. series failed evidence consistent negative In follow-on study, population studied, found no long term Indeed, contained interacted people, curious novel objects sensitive sudden noise control whether these effects due selection bias volunteers remains unknown. viii Although questions been addressed, unanswered remain, directions future identified discussed.