An animal’s environment is important for their well-being. For example, stress can negatively affect cats that live in shelters or laboratories. Since millions of cats live in homes with people, it’s also crucial to study cats in those environments. In many homes, cats don’t have the option to choose their friends, may not have safe access to essential resources (like resting spots and litter boxes), and may not always be able to scratch, hide, or climb. Cat owners often find it hard to meet their pets’ needs, which can lead to behavioral problems and health issues. This shows how important it is to understand how a cat’s living space affects its health and behavior. Researchers have identified a significant knowledge gap about how the environment relates to cat welfare. Our proposed study aims to fill that gap.
We plan to create a survey tool to assess how well home environments support a cat’s welfare. So far, no one has made a tool like this. To explore the connection between the environment and cat well-being, we will test this tool by analyzing answers related to cat behavior and health. Additionally, we will measure stress hormone levels in some of the cats. This research will help us better understand cat behavior and welfare. By developing and validating this tool, we will provide an important welfare measure that is often overlooked in current studies on cat health and behavior. This study could help improve the lives of millions of cats living with humans.