Presentation Details
| Meeting the Behavioral Needs of Pet Cats Indoors Annie Valuska. Nestlé Purina PetCare, St.Louis, MO, USA |
Abstract
The question of whether pet cats should be allowed to roam freely outdoors remains a polarized issue, often framed around trade-offs among environmental impact, cat welfare, and the human–animal bond. Research suggests that many cat owners associate outdoor access with perceived reductions in “problem” behaviors, greater autonomy for their cats, and reinforcement of the human–cat bond when cats voluntarily return home. This presentation explores alternative strategies for meeting owner-identified needs without relying on unrestricted outdoor access, drawing on principles from feline behavior and welfare science. Topics include behaviorally informed changes in the home environment; strategies for providing cats with indoor opportunities for choice, control, and engagement in species-typical behaviors; and routines that may strengthen the human–cat bond. By reframing the outdoor access debate around function rather than location, this review offers evidence-based, welfare-focused solutions that support cats and their caregivers.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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