Animal welfare is a complex topic, far exceeding the scope of this book. In our role as caregivers, our primary objective is to improve the quality of life of both the animal and its owner, fostering a harmonious and high-quality relationship. By defining animal welfare through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we are led to differentiate between livestock and companion animals. The concept of a captive animal does not seem relevant for cats, domesticated for over ten millennia, especially since many of them have free outdoor access yet choose to spend the majority of their time with their owners. However, achieving psychological balance in individuals must be based on the alignment between their developmental environment and their final living environment. Breeder selection has a significant impact on the welfare of companion cats, as it can determine how well a cat is adapted to life as a companion animal, enhancing the well-being of both the cat and its owner. The practitioner’s role should extend to an assessment of this welfare, and it is therefore necessary to develop recommendations for a consultation dedicated to this evaluation.

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Concepts of Welfare and Quality of Life

  • Stéphane Bleuer-Elsner,
  • Sylvia Masson,
  • Marie Lacoste,
  • Gérard Muller

摘要

Animal welfare is a complex topic, far exceeding the scope of this book. In our role as caregivers, our primary objective is to improve the quality of life of both the animal and its owner, fostering a harmonious and high-quality relationship. By defining animal welfare through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we are led to differentiate between livestock and companion animals. The concept of a captive animal does not seem relevant for cats, domesticated for over ten millennia, especially since many of them have free outdoor access yet choose to spend the majority of their time with their owners. However, achieving psychological balance in individuals must be based on the alignment between their developmental environment and their final living environment. Breeder selection has a significant impact on the welfare of companion cats, as it can determine how well a cat is adapted to life as a companion animal, enhancing the well-being of both the cat and its owner. The practitioner’s role should extend to an assessment of this welfare, and it is therefore necessary to develop recommendations for a consultation dedicated to this evaluation.