Play and welfare in domestic cats: Current knowledge and future directions

Abstract

Play and welfare have long been linked within animal research literature, with play considered as both a potential indicator and promoter of welfare. An indicator due to observations that play is exhibited most frequently in times when an animal's fitness is not under threat and when immediate needs such as food, water and adequate space are met. And a promoter, because of observations that animals who play more also have better welfare outcomes. However, limited research has been undertaken to investigate this link, especially in companion animals. The domestic cat ( Felis catus) is one of the most popular companion animals in the world, yet little is known about the impact of play behaviour on cat welfare. We review the current literature on play and welfare in cats. This includes examining the role of cat play in mitigating negative welfare outcomes, such as reducing problem behaviours, one of the leading reasons for guardian dissatisfaction and cat relinquishment to shelters. Play is also discussed as a potential tool to provide environmental enrichment and to improve cat-human relationships. Future areas for research are suggested. We find that further research is needed that uses a multifaceted approach to assess how quantity, type and quality of play impact subsequent cat behaviour and welfare. Future research could also assess cat play needs and preferences as well as investigate the role of play in mitigating threats to cat welfare such as reducing problem behaviour and improving human-cat relationships. If play is an indicator and promoter of welfare, studies into the impact of play may offer an accessible approach for monitoring and improving domestic cat welfare.

Cats just want to have fun: Associations between play and welfare in domestic cats

“…Unfortunately, no clear pattens of differences were able to be deduced between behaviour changes in indoor versus outdoor cats within this study, however it is likely that this may impact behaviours and future studies could investigate this further. For many of the welfare measures we have investigated previously, the emphasis has been on whether play is indicative of welfare (Henning et al 2022a). Observations of behaviour change when play is withheld may also offer us an insight into whether play is a promotor of welfare.…”

“…For instance, measures of cat physical condition (Arhant et al 2015), occurrence of abnormal, repetitive behaviours (Kogan & Grigg 2021) or physiological and behavioural signs of stress (Carlstead et al 1993). In a recent review of the current literature, we highlighted the lack of specific welfare measures used in studies of play in cats (Henning et al 2022a).…”

“…Cat welfare encompasses many elements, from the cats' physical state and the quality of their environment as well as the resources available to them, to their mental state and social relationships (Ellis et al 2013;Foreman-Worsley & Farnworth 2019;Henning et al 2022a). For cats in human homes, all these elements rely heavily on their guardian and their relationship with that guardian.…”

“…In a recent review of the current literature, we highlighted the lack of specific welfare measures used in studies of play in cats (Henning et al . 2022a ).…”

“… 2013 ; Foreman-Worsley & Farnworth 2019 ; Henning et al . 2022a ). For cats in human homes, all these elements rely heavily on their guardian and their relationship with that guardian.…”