Species : Cats

Study revealing that humans tend to downplay or misinterpret signs of distress and refusal in cats, highlighting the need to raise public awareness about respecting a cat’s preferences and the risks of bites and scratches.

A study conducted in the United Kingdom shows that, although shelters generally meet cats’ physiological needs, there is room for improvement in addressing their psychological needs, particularly with regard to housing, handling, and environmental enrichment.

Article describing the relationships between humans and their pets. Pets play an increasingly important part in French families and are widely viewed as family members. They provide emotional, social, and physiological benefits and contribute to well-being and a sense of security. Relationships with them tend to described as family ties—or even parental bonds—in contemporary society.

A systematic review of the scientific literature on the management of stray animals, showing that euthanasia has limited and context-dependent effectiveness, whereas birth control, as part of integrated strategies, yields more consistent and sustainable results across all areas.

Publication of a book on the protection of dogs and cats under EU law

Article recounting the history of the selection by breeders of animals with extreme body types and describing the health and welfare issues that result from this.

White paper on the protection of cats and dogs in the EU

Nation-wide study in France by the SPA and the Affinity Foundation on the abandonment and adoption of cats and dogs in 2024.

Government answer to a question from a Deputy on the proliferation of stray cats in France. It summarises existing measures and its support for local pilot schemes supported by a one-off €3 million funding pot in 2024, but, for the time being, envisages no further roll-out due to lack of funding.

Review examining the management of feline overpopulation, which requires a holistic and locally specific approach covering domestic cats, cats in shelters and those living in the wild, while taking environmental factors, feline demographic processes and human community dynamics into account.