Abstract
We are honored to present in this issue the Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines, 1 developed through the joint efforts of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine, and most recently endorsed by the American Animal Hospital Association. The Guidelines address the needs of pet cats in any environment, including home, veterinary hospital and shelter.
Scratching areas are a key environmental resource for a pet cat. Courtesy of Heather O’Steen
Signs of stress in cats are often subtle and, therefore, difficult to recognise. But cats do indeed experience stress and this is frequently caused by their needs not being met, usually inadvertently because of a lack of understanding of those needs, which differ vastly from our own.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in an increase in stress-associated disease such as lower urinary tract disease and obesity-associated diabetes mellitus. It is a sad fact that, in the United States, 58% of cats are overweight or obese, 2 and there was a 16% increase in feline diabetes mellitus between 2006 and 2010. 3 Additionally, when cats’ needs are not met, we see an increase in abnormal behavior, or normal behavior considered undesirable by the owner. Behavior problems are a common cause of the breakdown of the bond between owner and pet, and the surrender and euthanasia of pet cats.4,5 It is vitally important, therefore, to meet cats’ needs and allow them to express their natural behaviors, to prevent stress and undesirable behavior, and to improve feline health and welfare.
The Guidelines are organized around five primary concepts (‘pillars’) that provide the framework for a healthy feline environment regardless of the cat’s lifestyle. Tips for applying the Guidelines are also provided.
Panelists from the US and UK were selected to offer different perspectives, and address the needs of both the indoor and indoor/outdoor pet cat. The wide range of expertise included that of two veterinary behaviorists, a scientist specializing in feline behavior and welfare, an internist, two practitioners in companion animal practice, and two in feline practice. Huge thanks go to our co-panelists for all their efforts in making these important guidelines available to all veterinarians. We also appreciate the support of Ed Kanara, facilitator, and Mark Dana for their wisdom and help with the compilation of these Guidelines over the past several months.
Incorporating these Guidelines into your practice and client education can help reduce unwanted behaviors, illness and feline stress, and enhance the relationship that cat lovers have with their cats and with your practice. Incorporating the Guidelines into shelters increases feline adoption rates by providing an environment where cats are more active and less fearful. It’s as fundamental as that.