The Cohabitation of Humans and Urban Cats in the Anthropocene: The Clash of Welfare Concepts

Abstract

Urban environments are inhabited by several types of feline populations, which we can differentiate as feral cats, free-roaming pets, and confined pets. Due to a shift in the cultural representation of cats from pest controllers to companion animals, cats living semi-independently of humans are perceived increasingly negatively, while the pet population has become the object of intense care. A regulative approach converges with a concern for welfare in the operation and educational campaigns of municipal shelters, which through their implementation of neutering policies have proven to be key players in the contemporary relation of urban cats and humans. The generally widespread notion of cat welfare associated with a secure life comes into tension with the fact that the psychobiological needs of feral cats are significantly different than those of pets. It becomes apparent that individual interactions between humans and cats in urban environments in the Anthropocene are increasingly influenced by the intervention of institutions that can be characterized as seeking to administer the wild.

Coexistence between Humans and ‘Misunderstood’ Domestic Cats in the Anthropocene: Exploring Behavioural Plasticity as a Gatekeeper of Evolution

“…The current geological epoch, characterised by human-induced environmental changes, including large-scale industrial food production, overconsumption of resources, plastic and chemical pollution, climate change, and expanding urban footprint, is commonly referred to as the Anthropocene [100,101]. In countries such as South Africa, pet cats are sometimes killed by caracals (Caracal caracal, Schreber 1776), highlighting the fact that urban areas are now increasingly overlapping with home ranges of wildlife [102].…”

“…In countries such as South Africa, pet cats are sometimes killed by caracals (Caracal caracal, Schreber 1776), highlighting the fact that urban areas are now increasingly overlapping with home ranges of wildlife [102]. The role of urban cats and their relationship to humans is also changing, particularly in Western countries, where there is growing tension between stakeholders and their views on management and welfare of free-ranging unowned cats, free-ranging (outdoor) pet cats, and confined (indoor) pet cats [101]. People often hold negative views about free-ranging unowned cats who are relatively independent of human care [101], whereas positive but very anthropomorphic views may be held of pet cats who have little independence and may play the role of best friends or even children in a home [103].…”

“…The role of urban cats and their relationship to humans is also changing, particularly in Western countries, where there is growing tension between stakeholders and their views on management and welfare of free-ranging unowned cats, free-ranging (outdoor) pet cats, and confined (indoor) pet cats [101]. People often hold negative views about free-ranging unowned cats who are relatively independent of human care [101], whereas positive but very anthropomorphic views may be held of pet cats who have little independence and may play the role of best friends or even children in a home [103]. Differences in community attitudes towards, and environmental conditions experienced by, unowned free-ranging cats means that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to management and welfare is unlikely to succeed in terms of conflict-free coexistence with humans, conspecifics, or other species [104].…”

A renewed call for conservation leadership 10 years further in the feral cat Trap‐Neuter‐Return debate and new opportunities for constructive dialogue

“…Not only might such a schematized approach open possibilities for parties to discuss what options are suitable for any particular area (depending on the chosen balance of cat welfare and conservation goals), but it also helps identify scenarios in which the currently opposing parties do not need to be in total disagreement at all times (as is now the case). Jaroš (2021) has already proposed the need to seek individual solutions in the management of free‐roaming cats for each and every setting. Hence, opposing animal interests might start by conceding that one type of cat management cannot fit all situations (Jaroš, 2021) and that different approaches may be suitable to different situations.…”

“…Jaroš (2021) has already proposed the need to seek individual solutions in the management of free‐roaming cats for each and every setting. Hence, opposing animal interests might start by conceding that one type of cat management cannot fit all situations (Jaroš, 2021) and that different approaches may be suitable to different situations.…”