This book - the third in a series on Animal Welfare - covers the major issues affecting the welfare of domestic cats.

In Western countries, the cat has become one of the most popular pets, with its traditional role of rodent catcher being replaced by that of companion animal. Nevertheless, many situations remain where the welfare of cats raises concerns.

This book, written by experts from the United Kingdom, the United States and Switzerland, presents up-to-date information on a broad array of topics. It covers recent developments in our understanding of cat behaviour, considers the ways in which cat welfare is assessed, and addresses the successes and failures of the relationship between cats and humans, including feline behaviour disorders. It also deals with the ever-increasing problem of stray and unwanted cats in shelters, the feral cat population, and the effects of housing, disease, nutrition and breeding on cat welfare.

While the focus is largely on cats in developed countries, this book should also be of relevance in developing countries, where issues affecting the welfare of domestic animals - not only of livestock but also of companion animals - are beginning to be identified and addressed.

This volume will be of interest to all those concerned with the welfare of cats, including veterinarians, animal behaviourists, animal welfare organisations and cat owners.