Cat welfare assessment

Development and application of practical, validated cat welfare assessment tools is a core research area. The tools target three cat populations: 1) home, 2) shelter, and 3) unowned free-living cats, through three separate research workstreams tailored to capture the individuality of each of these populations and their environment. The tools aim to help caregivers monitor, understand, and improve the welfare of cats, support decision making, and highlight when help from vets or other cat care professionals may be needed.

Cat population

Our population research takes a holistic view of cats in society, exploring the complex connections between cat populations, but also with people, other animals and the environment. We investigate the size, distribution, demographics, welfare, and population dynamics of owned, shelter, stray, and feral cats, alongside all the ways these cats connect. By gathering evidence and developing theoretical models of balanced cat populations, we can inform policies and interventions that improve cat welfare, while also delivering positive outcomes for people and communities.

Cat health and disease surveillance

Through monitoring disease, health and rehoming outcomes, we aim to better understand the cats cared for by Cats Protection. This evidence helps us improve care, prevent disease, support positive welfare and rehome cats more quickly, allowing us to help more cats live happy, healthy lives.

Bristol Cat Study

The Bristol Cat Study is led by researchers at the University of Bristol, with Cats Protection providing part-funding and expertise since inception. It is a study of cat health, welfare and behaviour, that collects data on owned cats from kittenhood throughout their lifetime. The results from this study can be used to help improve the health and welfare of cats.

You can see all scientific publications from the Bristol Cat Study. Further details can be found on the Bristol Cats webpage.