Which Dog Breeds Are the Best Alternatives to the French Bulldog?

If you love Frenchies but the health issues give you pause, these are the dogs like  French bulldogs that you might like too.

French Bulldog. Photo: Irinia Kozorog/Shutterstock.

In 2018, French bulldogs became the most popular breed of dog in the UK, overtaking the Labrador retriever, which had the number 1 spot for almost thirty years. French bulldogs are also in the top ten dog breeds in the US (no. 4), Canada (no. 5),  and Australia (no. 3).

French bulldogs are lovely dogs but unfortunately they can suffer from a number of inherited conditions, which can be distressing for the dog and heart-breaking for the owner.  Because they have a squashed face, they are at risk of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, can have trouble breathing, be reluctant to exercise, and may overheat in hot weather.

Veterinarian Shaun Oppermann recently told The Guardian,

"We tend to say: ‘Oh, it’s a French bulldog – it’s normal for them to breathe like that. But if your child sounded like that after a walk in the park, you’d have him straight down to A&E [the emergency department].”

As well, some French bulldogs have ear problems; eye issues; skin issues; or deformities of the spine as a result of the genes that cause a screw tail.

If you’re thinking of getting a French bulldog but are concerned about their health, here are some suggestions for other breeds that might fit the bill, and some tips if you decide only a French bulldog will do.

People who get French bulldogs are often first time dog owners who choose the breed because of its distinctive appearance and personality.

I reached out to some experts to ask which breed they would recommend as an alternative to someone thinking about a French bulldog. In other words, breeds that are suitable for first time dog owners, good with families, suitable for apartment living, don’t need too much exercise, and have a great personality.

Choosing the breed isn’t the most important thing

Although breed is the thing most people think about when getting a dog, other considerations are more important, such as whether it’s the right time for you to get a dog.

Veterinarian Dr. Emma Milne, author of Picking a Pedigree: How to Choose a Healthy Puppy or Kitten, says,

“My advice for first time dog owners would be to totally forget about whatever breed they think they want! Every single prospective dog owner should go for a minimum of half an hour’s walk twice a day every single day for a month regardless of weather. Millions of dogs get no exercise and this task is harder than you think. Research is key. Talk to a vet, not just breed clubs, it’s us that see the breed diseases. Make sure the dog suits your life and learn about socialization and habituation.  

“As for which breed I champion - the good old mutt. A true cross breed. Temperament and health are WAY more important than looks.” 

Dog trainer Kristi Benson, CTC, says,

“consider what it is about Frenchies that you like, and see what other breeds might also have that characteristic.”

These are the breeds recommended as especially suitable for people who love French bulldogs.

Border terrier and other terriers

Border Terrier. Photo: Radomir Rezny/Shutterstock

The border terrier and other terriers are all great choices.

Dog trainer and qualified groomer Amy Terceira, CTC, of Dog Gone Good says, “Looking for a fun loving breed? Consider a border terrier, West Highland terrier or a Norwich or Norfolk terrier."

She says. "These breeds are hearty and don't have loads of health issues. They are affectionate and enjoy the company of the family. These terriers can live happily in apartments as long as they get daily walks and their moderate exercise requirements are met. They have lovely, spunky personalities and loads of motivation which helps for training initiatives. The border terrier in particular is not known to excessively bark unless their needs are not being met. They are brave, confident little dogs.

“They have moderate grooming requirements which some owners prefer to a breed that has considerable grooming needs. Preferably, they are hand stripped but can be brushed or clipped as well. Their coats do not mat as easily as a poodle or Labradoodle for example. Hand stripping removes the dead rough outer coat to allow a fresh wire coat to grow in.

“The border terrier, in particular, is wonderful in the house and can chill out for long periods of time but does need to be walked daily.

“I would caution potential owners that these breeds have high prey drives and love to chase critters, which is what they were bred to do! Walking them on leash especially near roads is wise. Installing a strong recall is a good idea too. They aren't the best candidates to live with cats, especially in an apartment.

West Highland White Terrier puppies. Photo: Olga Ovcharenko/Shutterstock

“Another thing to note about these terriers is that they are choosy about their doggie friends. Socializing them from an early age is very important but despite your best socialisation efforts, they may still be scrappy and not get along with every dog they meet. Terrier breeds tend to be less tolerant of forward advances by other dogs.

“If you like what you are reading but would prefer something a little less spunky or spiky try a Sealyham terrier or a Dandie Dinmont.”

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier. Photo: Marina Plevako/Shutterstock

Cairn terriers are little dogs that are generally healthy; indeed, I suggested them in a post I wrote for Psychology Today about the #BreedtoBreathe campaign on brachycephalic dogs.

Dog trainer Eileen Holst-Grubbe, CTC, of Great Day Dog Training says, “While not usually thought of as a first-time-dog-owner dog, the cairn terrier has the personality someone looking at a Frenchie could be attracted to. They have the terrier spunk that might make a novice owner think twice, but I’ve found that with some training (a good professional is the best bet) and other mental enrichment their zest for life can be channeled appropriately. While they are busy little dogs, they have short legs and I've found it doesn't take as much physical activity to tire them out.”

Holst-Grubbe has a personal reason for loving the cairn terrier. She told me, “Oscar was the cairn in my life and he, as well as the few I have trained, all seem to have a sense of humor. “

She added, “Their terrier spiciness might outwit the average person (or dog), but the few cairns I have trained for clients have been quick learners and able to become well-behaved, yet entertaining, members of their families."

Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers

Golden Retriever puppy. Photo: PhotoTrippingAmerica/Shutterstock

Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers need no introduction because they are such popular dogs.

Tim Steele, CTC, of Behavior Matters Academy says, “I realize it may sound trite, but I'd recommend people look at Labrador and golden retrievers. There are good reasons these dogs end up on the most popular lists every year (the Labrador retriever comes in first and goldens come in third out of 193 breeds at AKC.org).

“They are generally friendly, good family dogs, easily trained, and fantastic for people with active lifestyles. You couldn't ask for a better hiking buddy who will love cuddling with you when you get back home.”

Havanese

Havanese puppy. Photo: Dorrotya Mathe/Shutterstock

Havanese are toy dogs that are originate from Cuba, hence the name.

Bonnie Hartney, CTC, of Ocean Park Dog Training suggests the Havanese. She says, “As a professional dog trainer, I spend time with a variety of breeds and mixes. One little dog that has won my heart is the Havanese. They are cheerful, affectionate companion dogs, well-suited to apartment living. Friendly with people, children, and other dogs, the Havanese are popular on neighbourhood walks. They excel in dog sports such as agility, nose work, and obedience but are also content to hang out with their “people.”

“Like the French bulldog, Havanese are relatively quiet. Their beautiful silky coats, which come in a variety of colours and patterns, require brushing or clipping. Whether in a selfie pose or with a new trick, the Havanese are definite people pleasers.”

Italian greyhound

Italian Greyhound. Photo: Sarah Weldon/Shutterstock

Italian greyhounds are small, elegant sighthounds that are often called Iggies for short.

Certified dog behavior consultant Kayla Fratt, CDBC, of Journey Dog Training told me Italian greyhounds are apartment-friendly dogs that are healthy and don’t need much exercise.

She says, “Italian greyhounds are notoriously quiet and cuddly. They’re even smaller than Frenchies and often look adorable in sweaters (they get very cold). They’re really nice, easy dogs. Plus, they come in a lot of colors and can still be quite striking.

“Let’s face it, many people love Frenchies because they’re so darn cute. Iggies (Italian greyhounds) also fit that bill!“

Poodle

Toy poodle. Photo: Jagodka/Shutterstock

Poodles come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes and are intelligent dogs.

Dog trainer and canine behavior consultant Melanie Ceronie, PhD, says “For individuals or families thinking about a Frenchie or other brachycephalic breed of dog, I highly recommend considering a poodle as an alternative. There’s much more to a poodle than just a pretty face! Poodles are consistently in the AKC’s top 10 list of most popular dogs in the United States. They are active, highly intelligent, and friendly dogs that make great family companions.

“With three varieties of poodles to choose from – toy (4-6 pounds); miniature (12-20 pounds); and standard (50-70 pounds) – there is a size suitable for everyone. Poodles also come in a wide range of colors, including grey, apricot, black, and white. Poodles are highly trainable dogs that make a great choice for people wishing to participate in dog sports, such as agility, freestyle, nosework, or competition obedience. They are also known to make wonderful therapy and service dogs, as well, due to their friendliness, intelligence, and trainability.

“Because poodles are active dogs, it will be important for those considering the breed to ensure that their dog’s daily exercise and enrichment needs are met. In addition their curly coats require regular brushing and grooming. There's a lot to love about poodles, and I highly recommend them to individuals and families looking for a sociable, active canine companion.”

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu. Photo: rebeccaashworth/Shutterstock

Shih Tzus are popular little dogs because of their playful nature.

Dog trainer Jennifer Gailis, CTC, of Bravo Fido says, “If I had to sum up the Shih Tzu in a few words, it would be happy-go-lucky and playful. The Shih Tzu is easily overlooked as a frou-frou show dog best suited to sit on a fluffy pillow with a bow in their hair but this couldn’t be further from the truth. These are generally playful little dogs with wonderful personalities. Their exercise needs are low compared to working breeds, however, they still need daily activities and play.

“As with any breed, finding a responsible breeder, early socialization, and positive reinforcement training are key to ensuring your Shih Tzu is happy and confident. Shih Tzus are generally extremely social dogs and can make wonderful companions for people of any age. They can be lovely with children and make good family dogs. However, due to the Shih Tzu’s small size, rough handling or overly boisterous kids can be scary. Parental supervision is always recommended.

“The main drawback to the Shih Tzu is their coat which requires regular grooming. Most pet owners choose to give their Shih Tzu a close-cropped puppy cut which gives them an adorable rough and tumble look.

“Shih Tzus make my list of dog breeds recommended for novice owners or anyone looking for a lovely companion. While the breed is recognized for many wonderful traits, please remember all dogs are individuals and there can be variation within the breed.”

This is a brachycephalic breed, so take extra care to find a responsible breeder.

Whippet

Whippet. Photo: Cora Mueller/Shutterstock

Whippets are good-looking dogs that are taller than Italian greyhounds but smaller than greyhounds.

Dr. Kate Mornement of Pets Behaving Badly–Solutions with Dr Kate told me, "Whippets are a fantastic breed for so many reasons. They are friendly, affectionate, intelligent, compatible with other pets and usually don't bark excessively. They are also very clean and have a low shedding, low maintenance coat. These qualities make them well suited to apartment living (as long as they are adequately exercised).

“Whippets make great companions for most people and living situations including families and are said to be one of the hardiest purebred dogs. Whippets feel the cold, though, and may need an extra layer to keep them warm in the winter months. These lovely little dogs do best when they are allowed inside and included in family life."

Mutts

Mixed breed dog. Photo: Lunia/Shutterstock

Mutts are very popular for a variety of reasons, and by definition come in all shapes and colours.

Monash University PhD candidate Mia Cobb of Do You Believe in Dog? recommends a mixed breed dog.

“You want to share your life with a healthy and happy canine companion for as long as possible, yes? Then get a mutt!," she told me. "I’m a huge fan of welcoming rescue dogs of unknown heritage into my home. Perhaps you’re concerned that a mutt won’t behave as predictably as a pure-bred dog, but research from the last two decades repeatedly shows us that we need to treat dogs as individuals. We can see as much behavioural variation within a breed as we can between breeds. We can’t be certain that dogs will behave a certain way just because they belong to a specific breed or breed type."

There are advantages to a mixed breed dog, Cobb says. "Mixed breed dogs live longer than pure bred dogs, and this lifespan advantage is proportional to body size. We know that dogs with squashed (brachycephalic) faces lead lives of compromised health and welfare. If the goal is a happy, healthy and long-lived dog - it’s not going to be one with an extreme body type – it’s really that simple.

"Whichever type of dog you decide to share your home with, be sure to meet the specific individual. I’d advise spending time getting to know them, their personality and activity levels. Do your research to be informed of any breed-related health issues they will face throughout their lifetime - then consider whether you will be a good fit for each other over the next fifteen years. Me? I’ll always be meeting my next mutt at the rescue shelter.”

Kristi Benson says an adult rescue dog has the advantage of being a known quantity. She told me, “Rescues and shelters in your area will likely have a bevy of mid-sized dogs who are fun, hilarious, and with the same amount of energy as a typical Frenchie.

"Plan to do meet and greets with dogs that are at least three years old, since once a dog is about three, they pretty much are who they are: they will be dog-friendly or not, cat-friendly or not, kid-friendly or not, and you can easily identify both their exercise and grooming needs.”

If you really want a French bulldog

Whatever breed of dog you get, research the health issues so you can ask the breeder the right questions.

If you want a French bulldog, it’s important to find a responsible breeder. Ask them whether the parents have needed any medical procedures; a good breeder will be happy to talk about the health of their puppies. Dogs that have had to have surgery for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome should not be bred from. Make sure you see the puppy with mom, and pay attention to whether the mom seems healthy or is snorting or wheezing.

Ask the breeder if the puppies were born by caesarian section, and if the mom has had multiple caesarians. In some breeds, including the French bulldog, the majority of litters are born by caesarian section because they cannot safely give birth naturally. In some places, guidelines or legislation mean bitches can no longer be bred if they have had two caesarian sections.

Benson says “Check with the Frenchie breeders in your area for any who are breeding for longer snouts (and to address the other conformation issues with these dogs). Supporting these breeders will support changes in the breed standard, which is what many dog advocates are seeking.”

Benson also suggests that you consider a cross of a French bulldog with another breed. “Search the rescues and shelters in your area for Frenchie crosses. Crosses often share characteristics with their parent breeds, but can be healthier and more structurally sound.“

Remember that French bulldogs are also available from shelters and rescues. In this case you get the advantage of their health having already been checked – and any necessary veterinary procedures having been carried out. Plus, of course, you are giving a home to a dog who badly needs one.

The video below shows what the Mayhew animal welfare charity in London, UK, did for one of the French bulldogs that came into their care.

Summary: French bulldogs and alternatives

French bulldogs are wonderful dogs, but they can have serious health issues as a result of their looks. Ultimately, we need kennel clubs and breeders to find a way to solve this problem (for example, in Sweden, dogs that have had surgery for brachycephalic issues cannot be bred).

If you want a dog like a French bulldog, the breeds listed in this post are all great choices for people who love Frenchies, as are mutts. It’s important to remember that French bulldogs are available in shelters and rescues too.

Whatever breed you decide on, remember to research the potential health issues so that you know which questions to ask the breeder, and always see the puppy with mom. Check out my post on how to choose a puppy for more tips.

And if you’re getting a puppy, don’t forget to sign up for a good puppy class (see also: how to choose a dog trainer).


Join over 2,500 animal science enthusiasts and subscribe to Companion Animal Psychology.

Further Reading

Choosing dogs that can breathe (on my Psychology Today blog)
Why do people choose certain dogs  (here on Companion Animal Psychology)
‘This is a calamity’: The surgeons keeping pugs and bulldogs alive by Simon Usborne at The Guardian.
Dogs deserve better (RSPCA)
Veterinarian Dr. Emma Milne has a page about the responsible use of pets in advertising (and you’ll find lots of animal welfare info on her website too).
What the pug is going on? by Mia Cobb, Do You Believe in Dog


References

Evans, K. M., & Adams, V. J. (2010). Proportion of litters of purebred dogs born by caesarean section. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 51(2), 113-118. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00902.x

Fawcett, A., Barrs, V., Awad, M., Child, G., Brunel, L., Mooney, E., Martinez-Taboada, F., McDonald, B. & McGreevy, P. (2019). Consequences and Management of Canine Brachycephaly in Veterinary Practice: Perspectives from Australian Veterinarians and Veterinary Specialists. Animals, 9(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9010003
Packer, R. M. A., Murphy, D., & Farnworth, M. J. (2017). Purchasing popular purebreds: investigating the influence of breed-type on the pre-purchase motivations and behaviour of dog owners.  Animal Welfare 26(2), 181-201.
Sandøe P, Kondrup SV,, Bennett PC,, Forkman B,, Meyer I,, Proschowsky HF,, Serpell, JA,, & Lund, TB (2017). Why do people buy dogs with potential welfare problems related to extreme conformation and inherited disease? A representative study of Danish owners of four small dog breeds. PLOSOne https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172091

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an Etsy affiliate, I earn from qualifying Etsy purchases.

Finding Hidden Food in Nosework Increases Dogs' Optimism

Opportunities to use the nose and make choices in nosework are good for dogs’ welfare.

Photo: KM-Photography/Shutterstock

We all know that dogs like to sniff. Is it possible that providing opportunities to find food in nosework can improve dogs’ wellbeing?

New scientific research by Dr. Charlotte Duranton (Ethodog) and Dr. Alexandra Horowitz (Barnard College) finds that dogs who participate in nose work have increased optimism compared to dogs that took part in heelwork instead.

Importantly, both activities involved perambulation, as well as food rewards as positive reinforcement. The difference is that in nosework the dog has the opportunity to use their nose and to exercise choice in what they are doing.

The study used a test of optimism – also known as cognitive bias – in which dogs were first trained that a bowl in one location would always contain food, whereas a bowl in another location never did. Then the test involved an empty bowl placed in an ambiguous location, equidistant from the other two places.

The idea is that the length of time taken to get to the bowl reflects the dog’s optimism that it would contain a piece of chicken.

20 adult dogs of various breeds took part in the study, including Australian Shepherds, Huskies, Cocker Spaniels, and other breeds/mixes.

Half of the dogs took part in a nosework activity with their owner, while the other half did heelwork.

The dogs took part in a group class with their owner (either nosework or heelwork), then the owner practised at home with them once a day for a week.  Then there was a second class, followed by a second week of practice at home.

Immediately before and after the two weeks of the activity, each dog took part in the cognitive bias training and test.

Each activity was structured so there was some development from the beginning to the end. For example, in the first heelwork class the dog was initially rewarded with a treat for taking two paces with the owner, building up to ten paces. In the second week, changes of direction were included.

Similarly, in the first nosework class, dogs began by finding a hide (i.e. treat) in a box, then in one of three boxes. When they found it, additional treats were added to the box. In the second week, boxes were put on chairs and/or further apart to make it more challenging.

Prior to the activities, there were no differences between the two groups of dogs in the cognitive bias test.

Photo: Sergey Fatin/Shutterstock

At the end of the two weeks, the latency for dogs in the nosework group to reach the bowl was significantly shorter. However, for dogs in the heelwork group, it was no different than in the previous test.

These results suggest that dogs in the nosework group were more optimistic.

Dogs in both groups had the chance to earn food rewards, so why the difference?

One reason could be that in nosework, dogs have a lot of choice in what they are doing, because they can move around the room and the boxes as they wish. In doing so, they are problem-solving, and successful problem-solving makes dogs happy too.

Another reason could be because of the opportunities to use their nose. Smell is the most important sense for dogs, and it is important to provide environmental enrichment that gives animals opportunities to use the most important sense and express normal behaviours.

The scientists explain there are some other possible explanations, although they do not think they are likely. For example, the dogs that did nosework were trained to search with their nose (but remember, the food bowl was empty in the cognitive bias task).

I think another difference between the conditions is the manner of reward delivery – one reward per set of steps in heelwork versus several rewards at once on finding the box containing food in nosework. This is consistent with how these are normally taught. It is possible dogs preferred receiving a 'jackpot' like in the nosework. However, other research shows dogs don't run faster for increased quantity of food, so this is not a likely explanation.

This is a fascinating study and it's great that scientists are looking at what kinds of activities are good for dogs' welfare.

This research shows it is important to give our pet dogs choices, opportunities to make their own decisions, and chances to use their nose. Doing so is good for their welfare, which is likely why the nosework training led to better results than heelwork.

If you are interested in trying nosework with your dog, you can find a list of Certified Nose Work Instructors here. See five fun things to do to make your dog happy today and six ways to entertain your dog indoors for more enrichment ideas.

What opportunities do you give your dog to use their nose and make choices?


Reference
Duranton, C., & Horowitz, A. (2018). Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2018.12.009

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an Etsy affiliate I earn from qualifying Etsy purchases.

What Are the Five Freedoms (and What do they Mean to You?)

The five freedoms of animal welfare, the one most people miss, and what it means for pet owners.

Photo: Bad Monkey Photography

When you get a new puppy or kitten, no one tells you your new pet has five main welfare needs that need to be met. But maybe they should, because they provide a framework for how we should care for dogs, cats, and other pets. Read on to find out what they are, how many pet owners know them, and why they matter to you.

The Five Freedoms

The Five Freedoms were originally defined by the UK’s Farm Animal Welfare Council in the 1960s, and subsequently updated. They are now understood to apply to the welfare of all animals, not just livestock.

The Five Freedoms are:

• Freedom from hunger and thirst, by ready access to water and a diet to maintain health and vigour. 
• Freedom from discomfort, by providing an appropriate environment. 
• Freedom from pain, injury and disease, by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment. 
• Freedom to express normal behaviour, by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and appropriate company of the animal’s own kind.
• Freedom from fear and distress, by ensuring conditions and treatment, which avoid mental suffering. 

The Five Freedoms define animal welfare and consequently you can find them on the websites of organizations like the ASPCA (with a downloadable poster), the BC SPCA and the RSPCA Queensland.  In the UK, the RSPCA and the PDSA write about how these welfare needs are enshrined in law.

The Five Freedoms tell us our pets have five welfare needs – diet, environment, health, companionship, and behaviour.

Many cats prefer to be solitary, while others enjoy companionship from other felines.. Photo: Anna Luopa / Shutterstock

Knowing About the Five Freedoms

How many pet owners know about these needs? Every year since 2011, the PDSA in the UK has released its PAW report on the welfare of pets. The 2018 report tells us how many people know about these five welfare needs.

The good news is that most people were able to identify four of the five welfare needs when shown a list.

• 87% identified the need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
• 85% identified the need to live in a suitable environment.
• 85% identified the need for a suitable diet
• 67% identified the need to exhibit normal behaviour patterns.

So what did most people miss?

• Only 18% identified the need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals.

Unfortunately these needs are not as well known as they should be. Only 13% of pet owners were able to correctly identify all five of the animal’s needs.

And 29% of people thought that a need for human company was one of the welfare needs.

The Need for Companionship

Of course, for each animal these needs will be met in different ways.

Take the need to be kept together with (or apart from) other animals of the same species.

Guinea pigs need companionship from other guinea pigs and should not be kept alone. Because of this, in Switzerland it is illegal to keep just one guinea pig.

Rabbits are also very sociable, and prefer to live with at least one other rabbit that they are bonded with. (Remember to neuter them so as not to have too many rabbits).

Domestic cats as a species are flexible in their social behaviour. Some cats can live happily with other cats. This is especially likely for cats that have grown up together and/or that were socialized with other cats during the sensitive period for socialization (but there are no guarantees). On the other hand, as solitary hunters cats do not need other cats to survive, and some cats do not like to have to share their home with other cats.

Many dogs enjoy canine companionship. Photo: Bad Monkey Photography

Most pet dogs are sociable and like to have other canine friends. Luckily, if there are no other dogs in the home, it’s possible to arrange dog walks with other friendly dogs or visit doggy daycare or the dog park so your dog still gets to hang out with other canines.

However, if you have the kind of dog who – for whatever reason – does not like to hang out with other dogs, they should be kept separate. (This is especially the case if the dog is a risk to other dogs and will attack them).

So you need to consider the needs of the species as well as those of your individual pet.

Photo: Ase / Shutterstock

The Welfare of Cats, Dogs and Rabbits

The PAW report looks at the welfare of the UK’s dogs and cats in terms of the welfare needs and is engagingly presented if you want to take a look (see the link below).

One of the figures that caught my eye is that 12% of dog owners have never trained their dog, a percentage that has not changed much over the years of the PAW reports.

24% of dogs were left alone for 5 or more hours on weekdays. As a general guideline, it is recommended that dogs should not be left alone for more than 4 hours.

And although 80% of people thought their dog was the right weight, 40% did not know how much the dog weighed or what the body condition score was.

For cats it is even worse, with 65% not knowing how much the cat weighs or the body condition score.

And 77% of cat owners said they would like to change at least one of their cat’s behaviours. The most common were scratching furniture (27%) or carpets (22%). (Scratching is a normal behaviour for cats and it’s up to us to provide good scratching posts). As well, 17% reported the cat waking them up, and 17% said the cat begged for food.

Weight was also an issue for rabbits, with 77% of owners not knowing the rabbit’s weight or body condition score.

And companionship is also a major concern, because 54% of rabbits are kept as solitary animals. The PDSA report says “Living a solitary life will be seriously impacting on the physical health and mental wellbeing of our pet rabbits.”

A solitary life is bad for rabbits. Photo: Ostapenko / Shutterstock

Updating the Five Freedoms

The Five Freedoms have been tremendously helpful in providing a framework to improve animal welfare.

If we don’t provide them for our pets, they will be stressed and unhealthy. It is also important to note that many behaviour problems are, at least to some extent, a result of the animal’s welfare needs not being met.

More recently, a complementary approach to animal welfare called the Five Domains has been proposed by Prof. David Mellor. One of the things about this approach is that it emphasizes the need for positive experiences, not just minimizing negative experiences. You can read more about the Five Domains model here.

Whatever kind of pet we have, it’s important to think about how to provide for good welfare in terms of health, environment, diet, behaviour and companionship.

What do you think is the priority for improving people’s knowledge of what their pets need?

Further Reading

Five fun things to do to make your dog happy today and how to make the world better for dogs.
Five things to do for your cat today and how to make the world better for cats.


References

Farm Animal Welfare Council (2009) Farm Animal Welfare in Great Britain: Past, Present, and Future.
Mellor DJ (2016). Moving beyond the "Five Freedoms" by Updating the "Five Provisions" and Introducing Aligned "Animal Welfare Aims". Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 6 (10) https://doi.org/10.3390/ani6100059
PDSA (2018) Paw Report. Available for download at https://www.pdsa.org.uk/media/4371/paw-2018-full-web-ready.pdf 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an Etsy affiliate, I earn from qualifying Etsy purchases.

Can an "Ease of Care" Labeling Scheme Help Exotic Pets?

Could a standardized grading scheme that rates pets from “easy” to “extreme” improve the welfare of exotic pets?

A leopard gecko. Photo: Gaschwald / Shutterstock

Exotic pets face many welfare issues, according to a new paper in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior by Clifford Warwick et al. The paper suggests a standardized scheme for rating the difficulty of caring for exotic pets that it is hoped will make people think twice about keeping pets with hard-to-meet environmental needs.

What is an exotic pet?

Exotic pets are unusual pets. Essentially they are animals that are not native to a particular area, and are not domesticated (or only semi-domesticated).

Another definition of an exotic pet is anything that is not a cat or dog. That’s the approach taken by the Calgary Humane Society, for example.

Whichever definition we choose, it means there are many exotic pets in North America. For example, most of the fish that are kept as pets are not native to Canada or the USA, which means they are exotic species.

The same applies to small animals kept as pets, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, hedgehogs, ferrets, and chinchillas. Common birds that are kept as exotic pets include canaries, lovebirds, and parrots. Ownership of reptiles is believed to be increasing, and common reptile and amphibian pets include lizards, frogs and snakes.

It is not clear how many households keep exotic animals as pets. In the United States in 2016 there were estimated to be 9.4 million reptiles kept as pets, 158 million fish, 20.3 million birds and 14 million small animals (according to the American Pet Products Association).

Although exact numbers are not known, globally it is estimated that for some types of exotic pet, up to 44% are animals that have been captured and taken from the wild. Some of them are then sold as ‘captive bred’.

What are the concerning issues with exotic pets?

The report identifies three main issues with the keeping of exotic pets.

In terms of animal welfare, the report says “many animals suffer at all points in the chain from point of capture/breeding to sales/housing.”

There are big issues to do with conservation, since many species are taken from the wild. Not only does this deplete the habitat of that species, it may have knock-on effects on other species in the area, since species are inter-connected in many ways. In addition, if exotic pets are released into the wild, they can become invasive.

Finally, there are public health issues due to the risks of infection from these pets (many of which carry salmonella, for example) and the risk of bites or scratches given they are not domesticated.

Welfare issues with exotic pets

The fact that many exotic pets are simply caught in the wild and then sold as pets is obviously a big concern. The report estimates that around the world there are more than 13 million species that are kept as pets. They say that a quick search of online pet sales in the US and UK found 550 species of reptile and more than 170 species of amphibian for sale. (You can read about animals being smuggled into Canada for the pet trade here).

For some species, even scientists do not know the needs of the animal, making it impossible to provide good welfare in captivity.

Another issue is that many species are described as easy to keep or suitable for beginners when this is not really the case. As well, some items for pets (such as tanks to keep them in) are sold as if they are suitable for particular species, when in fact they are too small to provide good welfare.

Poor information online and in other sources is another factor that makes it hard to care for these pets.

The scientists write,

“The prospects for exotic species in domestic environments without the relative benefits of professional management and facilities are highly concerning, and several studies demonstrate that poor husbandry is commonplace even for commonly traded and kept species.”

A real turtle vs a soft toy turtle

The paper illustrates some of the issues with exotic pets by comparing a pet turtle to a soft toy turtle.

The toy turtle has to meet certain standards so that it is not a hazard to children who play with it. For example, the eyes must be stitched in properly so they cannot be removed and swallowed, and it is made of washable, fire-resistant material. It does not have sharp edges that could injure a child. It has a label that conveys information about how it meets standards.

In contrast, the real live pet turtle does not come with any guarantees or standards. The person who buys it does not know how it was sourced (captive-bred or wild-caught). They are not necessarily given information on how to care for it, and for some turtles this information may not even be known to scientists. It is not washable and is a hazard in a number of ways, such as bacteria on it, its poop, and the ability to scratch and bite. The scientists say consumers' lack of knowledge of these issues raises questions about their ability to have "informed consent" when purchasing an exotic pet.

The proposed scheme for describing exotic pets

The paper says some European countries and parts of Canada have adopted or are considering the idea of a “positive list”, a list of the species that are appropriate to be kept as pets. The idea is that this would reduce the trade and keeping of species that are not on the list. Positive lists don't need updating as often as negative lists.

The paper suggests that a scheme called EMODE be used to describe exotic pets. EMODE groups animals as “easy”, “moderate”, “difficult” or “extreme” and is designed to be easy for ordinary people to understand.

EMODE assigns points to each animal according to the class it is in (e.g. amphibians, cats and dogs, fish), and according to yes/no answers to six questions. Five of the questions relate to the animal, while the sixth asks whether anyone in the household is immunocompromised (including children under 5 and seniors). EMODE is described as a standardized system for assessing the difficulty of keeping each animal.

Some of the authors of the paper were involved in the development of EMODE, althouh they do not receive any financial benefit from it as it is free to use.

EMODE is based on animal welfare (the Five Freedoms) and public health (the risk of disease/injury and the availability of professional advice on how to mitigate those risks) (Warwick et al 2014).

EMODE does not take into account whether or not an animal could potentially be an invasive species or what its conservation status is; it focusses only on pet-keeping.

Certain classes of animals are never considered “easy”, including birds and reptiles.

The “easy” category includes some (not all) invertebrates, fishes, domesticated animals and dogs and cats. The label “easy” does not mean no work is needed to care for the animal, as some responsibility is always required.

As examples from Warwick et al's earlier (2014) paper, goldfish are rated “easy” to “moderate”, budgerigars are considered “difficult” and African Grey Parrots “extreme”. Small mixed-breed dogs are considered “easy” to “moderate”, while a German Shepherd is considered “moderate” to “difficult”.

Summary and conclusion

The paper highlights many shocking issues with the welfare of exotic pets, from trade in wild-caught animals that may be endangered, to lack of knowledge of how to care for these animals, to poor information being available to the general public.

The EMODE scheme sounds like a good way to describe exotic pets that takes account of both animal welfare and the risks to the public of infection or injury due to the pet. The scheme would allow people to seek out pets that are suitable for their level of experience and expertise. And it could help with selecting animals for positive lists that can be kept as pets.

Although the scheme says it is standardized, this seems to underestimate the difficulty of assessing the quality of information on particular pets, or the risks of zoonoses/injuries. Nonetheless for common pets this is probably relatively easy to assess.

I am not sure how helpful the toy turtle vs pet turtle comparison is since people have different expectations of toys and pets.

The German Shepherd is an interesting example. If a German Shepherd is rated as moderate to difficult - basically 2 and 3 on a 4-point scale - then, to me, extreme (i.e. 4) does not seem adequate to describe some of the animals that basically should not be kept as a pet. It overlaps with a spider monkey which, according to Warwick et al 2014, is rated as difficult to extreme. It is illegal to keep spider monkeys as pets here in BC.

It remains to be seen whether prospective pet owners would use such a scheme. People who want to acquire certain kinds of pets, like reptiles, may not be put off by the fact none of them are considered "easy" pets. To be effective, the scheme would also need to be accompanied by good quality information about how to care for these animals.

The paper is open access so you can read it in full (reference below).

What do you think would improve the welfare of exotic pets?

P.S. The leopard gecko that illustrates this story is often marketed as a suitable beginner pet, but lizards have complex needs, including an environment with gradients of heat and ultraviolet light, as well as hiding places and branches and rocks for climbing. Read the RSPCA’s advice on how to care for leopard geckos. The RSPCA also has helpful care guides for other common exotic pets.


You might also like:

What is the best enrichment for your ferret?

Enrichment for goldfish

Going for a song: The price of pet birds









References
Warwick, C., Steedman, C., Jessop, M., Arena, P., Pilny, A., & Nicholas, E. (2018). Exotic pet suitability: understanding some problems and utilizing a labeling system to aid animal welfare, environment, and consumer protection. Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2018.03.015
Warwick, C., Steedman, C., Jessop, M., Toland, E., & Lindley, S. (2014). Assigning degrees of ease or difficulty for pet animal maintenance: the EMODE system concept. Journal of agricultural and environmental ethics, 27(1), 87-101. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10806-013-9455-x (also open access)

Companion Animal Psychology is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Companion Animal Psychology is also a participant in the Etsy Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Etsy.com.

What type of cat do people prefer?

Research investigates people's preferences for cats with normal, squashed or long head shapes.

A Persian cat. Photo: Ewa Studio/Shutterstock

Lately we’ve been hearing a lot about brachycephalic dogs and the health issues they can have as a result of having a squashed face, which include breathing difficulties and eye issues (read about why people choose brachycephalic dogs).

But what about cats? Some breeds of cat also have squashed faces. A new study by Dr. Mark Farnworth (Nottingham Trent University) et al set out to investigate people’s preferences by asking them to rate photos of different types of cat.

Dr. Farnworth told me in an email,

“There has been quite a change in the companion animal population with more and more consumer desire for extreme conformations. Although these extremes are not yet mainstream (shown by the reduced desirability of cats with skulls that deviate from ‘normal’), people who own the extremes (e.g. Persians or Siamese) show increased preference for cats with similar skull shapes. We could equate this to a form of ‘brand loyalty’ 

“The problem is that cats with brachycephalia (squashed faces) are also much more likely to have substantial health issues. In this way ‘brand loyalty’ within cat breeds can perpetuate ill-health within large numbers of cats and possibly drive the breeding of even greater extremes. This means that, despite owners unquestionably loving their cats, ultimately the cats pay the health costs of our choices.”

The study asked people to say how much they liked particular cats on a scale from 1 – 10. Some of the cats were brachycephalic, some dolicocephalic, and some mesocephalic. What does this mean?

Brachycephalic means a short, flattened skull and squashed face. Breeds of cat that are brachycephalic are the Exotic Shorthair, British Shorthair, Persian (pictured above), and Scottish Fold.

Brachycephalic breeds are more likely to make noises when they breathe and to suffer from respiratory problems than breeds that are not brachycephalic (Farnworth 2016). They are also more likely to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Brachycephalic cat breeds can also be susceptible to eye problems, neurological issues, and dental issues due to their head shape, all of which can affect quality of life.

Dolicocephalic cats have a relatively long skull. The Abyssinian (pictured below), Siamese, and Sphynx cat breeds are dolicocephalic. At the moment, relatively little is known about the health consequences for cats that have this kind of skull shape.

An Abyssinian cat. Photo: Alla Lla/Shutterstock.

The scientists say that six of the top 10 most popular breeds of cat in the US are either brachycephalic or dolicocephalic.

Mesocephalic basically means a normal skull shape. If you have a moggy, chances are your cat is mesocephalic.

While extreme skull shapes may cause health issues, there's not necessarily an effect on lifespan in cats. The paper says the average non-pedigree cat lives 14 years, Persians for 14.1 years, and Abyssinians for 10 years.

Before the cat photos were used in the questionnaire, a number of vets gave their opinion as to the skull shape of each cat, from brachycephalic through mesocephalic to dolicocephalic, with ratings from extreme to mild.

There were two versions of the questionnaire conducted at slightly different time points. The first version was available in English and translated into Mandarin for cat owners in China. 9 cat photos were used. The second version had an additional set of photos to make 15 in total. As well as the English version it was translated into Spanish for cat owners in Latin America.

The questionnaire also assessed people’s preferences for coat length, eye colour, and coat colour, which in this study was blue/grey, ginger, tabby, or white/pale/point. (No black cats were included).

So what was the most preferred type of cat? In general, people preferred:

• Cats with a mesocephalic or mild dolicocephalic skull shape. Brachycephalic cats and cats with moderate or extreme dolicocephaly were the least popular
• Cats with a medium or long coat rather than short-haired cats
• Cats with green or blue eyes rather than orange or brown eyes
• Cats with blue/grey, ginger or tabby coloured coats

People who worked in an animal care field were the least likely to like brachycephalic cats, perhaps because they had some experience of the health issues that can affect these breeds. But this kind of work was not linked to being more or less likely to like the dolicocephalic cats.

People who owned a brachycephalic cat were, not surprisingly, more likely to like this kind of cat. And people who owned a dolicocephalic cat were more likely to like the dolicocephalic cats in the survey.

Small variations either side of the norm (towards brachycephaly or dolicocephaly) were not really preferred. The scientists suggest this may be why people began to breed for bigger variations.

There was a geographical effect too, as people in Asia were more likely to like brachycephalic cats and also dolicocephalic cats.

1239 cat owners completed the survey, of which 92% were female. The researchers tried to recruit some respondents who had a professional involvement in pet care, and almost 19% of participants fell into this category.

64% of the cat owners had a moggy (non-purebred cat).

Although this study relied on a relatively small number of headshots of different types of cats, rather than a larger set (or even videos), it’s a valuable contribution to the literature. It’s important to understand why people are drawn to particular types of cat. Just as with dogs, there are conversations to be had about the breeding of cats and how to take good health into account.

The full paper is open access and includes the photos of the cats, if you want to take a look.

What kind of cat do you like best?

You might also like: Irresistible: Emotions affect choice of breed despite welfare issues and 5 things to do for your cat today.

Reference
Farnworth, M. J., Packer, R., Sordo, L., Chen, R., Caney, S., & Gunn-Moore, D. A. (2018). In the Eye of the Beholder: Owner Preferences for Variations in Cats’ Appearances with Specific Focus on Skull Morphology. Animals, 8(2), 30.

Farnworth, M. J., Chen, R., Packer, R. M., Caney, S. M., & Gunn-Moore, D. A. (2016). Flat Feline Faces: Is Brachycephaly Associated with Respiratory Abnormalities in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus)?. PloS one, 11(8), e0161777.

Companion Animal Psychology is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Companion Animal Psychology is also a participant in the Etsy Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Etsy.com.

How to Make the World Better for Cats

Cat experts – including Mikel Delgado, Pam Johnson-Bennett, Sandra McCune, Kersti Seksel and Nicky Trevorrow – weigh in on the one thing that would make the world better for cats.

Photo: JRJfin

We love our feline friends, but at the same time there’s a lot that we, as a society, could do to make cats happier. So I asked several experts on cats to answer the question, “What’s the one thing that would make the world better for cats?”

Read on to see what they have to say. And if you're a dog person, there's a related post on how to make the world better for dogs to check out next.

This post is also available in Japanese. Thank you to Saramu Momma MSc and Risa Yoshida for the translation.

Sebastiaan Bol, PhD

Founder and CEO of Cowboy Cat Ranch (Website http://www.cowboycatranch.org/  Twitter,  Facebook)

"Cats love plants (but only the ones that are safe for them)"

“In general, creating a safe, fun and challenging environment for cats will make them truly happy. Environmental enrichment such as a catio, cat trees, shelves on the wall, hiding places and food puzzles really make a huge difference for a cat's well-being. But you asked me to name one thing that would make the world better for cats, I am sorry. Plants. Cats love plants (but only the ones that are safe for them). Not only do they really like to eat the grass from oat, rye, wheat and barley seeds, they also love to lie on or in the grass. Seeding your own grass is easy to do and will give much nicer grass compared to when you buy cat grass in the store. Other plants that deserve a place in each house with a cat are living catnip plants, silver vine and Tatarian honeysuckle. Or, to be more specific, wood sticks or powder from the fruit of the silver vine plant, and the wood of Tatarian honeysuckle. They are like catnip, but just a little different. These plants contain chemicals not present in catnip, allowing cats who do not enjoy catnip to have a good time too. Cats who do enjoy catnip may of course still love silver vine and Tatarian honeysuckle as well. The big pieces of honeysuckle wood (stem or branch) look beautiful and will last a lifetime. So, make a difference for your cat today and invest in a huge piece of Tatarian honeysuckle wood, sprinkle some silver vine powder on the carpet, and grow some super fresh cat grass! They'll love you even more!"

Mikel Delgado, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis and Certified Cat Behavior Consultant at Feline Minds (Twitter)

"if everyone who lived with a cat played with them daily, with interactive toys"

“I usually answer a question like this with “If everyone recognized that cats are not dogs or humans.” But this time, I’d rather say, the world would be a better place for cats if everyone who lived with a cat played with them daily, with interactive toys (e.g. a cat dancer). Many of my behavior consulting clients tell me their cats don’t or won’t play. But cats are obligate predators, and they all (even seniors and cats with disabilities!) have the capacity for interactive play that mimics the hunting experience! I take great pleasure in showing clients how to get their cats stalking, pouncing, or even just mentally engaged with an interactive toy. I think many people don’t play with purpose, and get frustrated when their cat doesn’t respond enthusiastically to a randomly waving feather. But if you move the toy like a prey animal would move, and use all your cat’s senses, and remember they are a “stalk-and- rush” hunter, you will have GREAT SUCCESS (to quote Borat)! So many housecats are leading under-stimulated lives. We give them love, but that isn’t enough. They need the benefits of physical exercise (both for staying fit and for reducing stress), and playing with your cat a few minutes a day with a wand toy is a fun bonding experience for you both!”

Lauren Finka, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Lincoln (Twitter)

“an appreciation of the evolutionary history of the domestic cat, and how important this is for a better understanding of this species"

“It would be great for owners and those caring for cats to have an appreciation of the evolutionary history of the domestic cat, and how important this is for a better understanding of this species and their biological and psychological needs today. Many of these needs are still similar to those of their closest ancestors, the North African/Arabian wildcat; a self-reliant predator which is territorial, spends a large proportion of each day exploring and hunting, and values solitude and the ability to escape from threats by hiding or getting up high. However, we now expect the domestic cat to live in a world very different from that of its relatives – often restricting their ability to explore and hunt within a complex environment (i.e. by confining them indoors), expecting them to live a much more social lifestyle (i.e. with other cats and with us), and to tolerate a lot of physical handling (i.e. we love to cuddle and fuss over cats). Whilst many cats are able to cope well and live up to our expectations, many may also struggle, either due to a lack of suitable socialisation during their early development (i.e. 2-7 weeks) and beyond, other aspects of their temperament, or simply a lack of opportunity to behave as they are biologically motivated to. How we can help is by choosing cats that we think will be able to enjoy the type of lifestyle we have, supplying them with many opportunities for positive cognitive and sensory stimulation, the ability to escape from things they find stressful, and also being careful about how much ‘social pressure’ we are exerting upon them; providing them with many opportunities to have time alone undisturbed.”

Sam Gaines, PhD

Head, Companion Animals Department, RSPCA (Sam's Twitter; RSPCA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)

"more realistic expectations around the interactions which cats appreciate: frequent but short."

“Sadly the social behaviour of cats, and especially their interactions with people, is very misunderstood. Most cats typically want high frequency but lower intensity interactions whereas many people want fewer interactions but for a longer period of time. This mismatch can lead to defensive aggression in cats with some being labelled as grumpy or spiteful. Having more realistic expectations around the interactions which cats appreciate; frequent but short, will avoid unnecessary stress, fear and worry and will help strengthen the bond between cat and owner.”

Naomi Harvey, PhD

Research Fellow, Itchy Dog Project, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Nottingham (Twitter)

"That people accept them as individuals, with rich personalities and complex social needs."

“That people accept them as individuals, with rich personalities and complex social needs. People who haven’t had a close relationship with a cat often assume the stereotype that cats are ‘independent’ and just ‘use’ people for food and warmth. This leads some people to consider cats as an option for a pet that requires less attention and responsibility than a dog. However, as I’m sure cat lovers will be happy to tell you, cat personalities differ greatly, as do their social needs. Many cats are capable of great affection, and if given a choice would choose to be in your company rather than alone, which can mean their welfare is easily compromised when left alone for long periods or are shut outside all day.”

Ingrid Johnson, CCBC

Certified Cat Behavior Consultant at Fundamentally Feline (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)

“a better understanding of a cat’s environmental necessities."

“I think the single most important improvement in the care and welfare of cats is quite simply, a better understanding of a cat’s environmental necessities. This greater grasp needs to be industry-wide. There is a distinct disconnect between what cats need and what is being offered to feline caregivers to help meet those needs. A clearer understanding of a cat’s physical and emotional needs must be improved across the board from veterinary professionals to pet product designers and cat guardians alike. Forcing cats to comply with our human world and expectations sets them up to fail. Less environmental stress leads to less physical illness and fewer behavior problems. There is a recent trend to change the term “environmental enrichment” to a more fitting “environmental needs” and I embrace that trend. Many “behavior problems” would never become problems at all if cats were simply provided with an environment that embraces their inner “catness”. They need bigger litter boxes (and more of them). They need taller and more abrasive scratching posts, not these ridiculous carpet scraps that hang from doorknobs. Cats need to be challenged and offered a stimulating world that evokes their inner predator while simultaneously providing the safety and security they crave. The movement is growing as the public demand for more knowledge and better products increases, but we still have a long way to go towards making our homes more feline friendly.”

Pam Johnson-Bennett

Best-selling author and star of Animal Planet UK's Psycho Kitty. (Website http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/,  Twitter, Facebook)

"if we could finally change the misconceptions people have about them."

“One thing that would make a huge difference in the lives of cats is if we could finally change the misconceptions people have about them. Hatred of cats, punishment, neglect and callous attitudes develop because people believe myths and false information about what drives cat behavior. Cats are often viewed as either sinister bird killers or low maintenance alternatives when you don’t want to put much effort into being a pet parent. Education can open hearts to how wonderful it is to love and be loved by these magnificent animals.”

Kat Littlewood, BVSc(dist) PGDipVCS(dist)

Small animal veterinarian and PhD candidate with Animal Welfare Aotearoa (AWA) at Massey University.  (Website https://katwelfarematters.wordpress.com/, Twitter, Facebook)

"I would like veterinarians and owners to work together to make judgements on quality of life - before it is significantly compromised."

“Sooner rather than later: If owners, and their veterinarians, considered death earlier, then quality of life would be better for cats. Most cat owners tell us, after they have euthanased their beloved cat, that they wish they had done it sooner. It can be really difficult to make the decision at the time – especially if owners are strongly attached to their cat and/or think of them as a member of the family. Owners also adapt to their cat’s declining quality of life and poor welfare becomes the new normal for their pet. However, for the cat’s wellbeing, it is better to start thinking about ‘how it is doing’ sooner rather than later. I would like veterinarians and owners to work together to make judgements on quality of life - before it is significantly compromised. We need to break down the taboo of talking about death. When a cat is diagnosed with an illness, particularly if it’s terminal, its death should be discussed. When a cat reaches a certain age, we need to have ‘that’ conversation. What does a good life look like for this cat? How will we know when it is no longer enjoying life? By having these frank discussions earlier, we can help reduce the ‘wish I had done it sooner’ effect and improve the quality of our cats’ lives.”

Sandra McCune, PhD

Scientific Leader – Human-Animal Interaction, Science Engagement and Communications Team, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition. (Sandra on Twitter, Waltham website www.waltham.com and Twitter)

“owners understanding better the role food plays in their relationship with their cat."

“One thing that would make a better world for cats is owners understanding better the role food plays in their relationship with their cat. For many owners, food is a currency of love. Offering excess food and especially highly palatable food not intended for cats can harm their health. Helping owners to understand their cat’s need for the appropriate amount of a complete and balanced diet is key to tackling the problem of feline obesity, now an issue for almost 60% of US cats. We need to help cat owners change their behaviour without diminishing their bond. #ABetterWorldForPets”

Kim Monteith, CTC

Manager, Animal Welfare, BC SPCA. (Kim's Twitter; BC SPCA website: http://spca.bc.ca/, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)

"Early socialization will help them not be afraid of new things or changes in their environment"

"If we promote and teach kitten socialization the way we do with puppies the world would be a better place for cats. The socialization window - open from 3 to 7 weeks - is so important for them and what they learn about the world. We need to provide kittens with good experiences during this time. Introduce them to different people, environments, objects, animals and handling. Think of how different their experiences and life would be if we did this. Early socialization will help them not be afraid of new things or changes in their environment which are bound to happen. It's so simple, yet we don't often think of the importance of cat socialization like we do with dogs. Maybe that's it, we need to change the way we think about cats ..."

Kate Mornement, PhD

Pets Behaving Badly – Solutions with Dr. Kate. (Website http://petsbehavingbadly.com.au/, Twitter,  Facebook)

"Pet cats, especially those confined to the home, must have appropriate outlets for the expression of normal feline behaviours"

“One thing that would make the world a better place for cats is if cat owners understood that, although domesticated, companion cats retain the instinct and desire to perform normal feline behaviours. These behaviours include scratching and scent marking; seeking, hunting and stalking, and maintaining a secure territory. Until fairly recently, pet cats were free to roam their neighbourhoods at will. This freedom allowed them to maintain a larger territory, to hunt and stalk prey, climb, scratch, problem solve and keep physically fit – in essence, to be a cat. This is no longer the norm in many cities where cat curfews are now enforced. Pet cats, especially those confined to the home, must have appropriate outlets for the expression of these normal feline behaviours - without them problem behaviour, such as destructive scratching of furniture and aggression towards people/other animals in the home, is common. Stress and anxiety, especially common in multi-cat homes where cats compete for access to valued resources, can lead to inappropriate toileting and territorial marking – a common reason for relinquishment to animal shelters. Providing cats with appropriate outlets for normal feline behaviours should include: the provision of scratch posts and cat scratchers; cat towers or high shelving to provide a safe place to retreat to; ready access to several litter trays (especially important in multi-cat households); and safe access to outdoor space if possible. The opportunity for daily play with toys that mimic prey provides an outlet for hunting and stalking behaviour, which can reduce aggression towards people or other animals in the home.”

Kersti Seksel, BVSc (Hons) MRCVS MA (Hons) FANZCVS DACVB DECAWBM FAVA

Veterinary Behaviour Specialist at Sydney Animal Behaviour Service. Website: http://sabs.com.au/

"Education of people about cat behaviour is the biggest key to helping cats around the world"

“Education of people about cat behaviour is the biggest key to helping cats around the world. Knowing how cats “tick” and what they like would be helpful. Teaching this at Kitten Kindy classes is the easiest and most effective way besides being lots of fun for kittens and owners alike. Cats are social animals but that does not mean all cats are socialised. Being socialised means that the individual accepts the close proximity of others – cats and people. It does not mean they have to like all others – sounds like us really doesn’t it? The socialisation period – when it is easiest to help kittens learn about their world – occurs between 3 and 7 weeks of age. So the way the breeder raises the kitten is so important. However, socialisation can occur at any age. So what can make a difference to cats during and after the socialisation period? Many people want cats to have a best friend, but many (most) cats are more suited to being an only cat. Some other behavioural needs of cats that are not widely known include: Cats prefer their food and water to be a good distance apart. The ideal litter tray is 1.5 times the length of the cat, and very few are made this big. Some also have lids and flaps to keep the smell out for the owner. Many cats will cope but they don’t necessarily like them, and those cats may develop toileting problems as a result. So knowing about the cat's behavioural needs and respecting them would really make the world a better place for cats and starting during the socialisation period is best.”

Jenny Stavisky, PhD

Assistant Professor, Shelter Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham (Jenny on Twitter; Vets in the Community on Twitter)

"for us to have a better understanding of how they see the world."

“The one thing that would make the world better for cats I think might be for us to have a better understanding of how they see the world. Unlike us, and unlike dogs, they aren’t naturally gregarious as a species. This means that whilst some cats like some other cats, for the most part (there are always exceptions…) cats don’t want, like or need lots of cat buddies. So when we keep them as pets, one cat in a household is fine, and certainly doesn’t need to have extra friends! Also, cats are nature’s control freaks and need some self-determination. One of the most common problems I see is when people forget that feral cats are truly wild animals and, meaning well, try to tame them. This means the cat gets guaranteed food, shelter and veterinary care but at the cost of being able to make its own choices about proximity to humans and other animals. For most feral cats, this probably isn’t overall a beneficial trade-off, any more than it would be for a weasel, badger or other wild animal. So, people respecting and understanding cats’ fundamental needs to generally behave as solitary psychopaths would I think make a better world for cats.”

Malini Suchak, PhD

Assistant Professor, Animal Behaviour, Ecology and Conservation program and the Anthrozoology graduate program, Canisius College.

"Listen harder when they are trying to “tell” us something."

"Listen harder when they are trying to “tell” us something. Cats are notorious for hiding their emotions from humans, even their closest companions. To some degree this can be attributed to the fact that they evolved from small wildcats who are predators, but are also prey animals. Prey animals often have adaptations which enable them to hide pain and fear. As a result, they are often a bit of an enigma to us. But as it turns out, they communicate a lot of information, it’s just subtle. The angle of their ears, the movement or angle of their tails, or even the tone of their purr might communicate information about how they’re feeling. So, if we listen really hard, and respect what cats are “saying”, we can more accurately interpret how they’re feeling and provide better care."

Nicky Trevorrow, BSc(Hons) PGDip(CABC) RVN

Behaviour Manager at Cats Protection (Website https://www.cats.org.uk/, Twitter, Facebook,  Pinterest, Instagram)

"Having a regulatory body for animal behaviourists and trainers to ensure animal welfare standards are met using up-to-date evidence-based methods."

“One thing that would make a better world for cats - having a regulatory body for animal behaviourists and trainers to ensure animal welfare standards are met using up-to-date evidence-based methods. While this may not be the first thing that springs to somebody’s mind for improving cat welfare, ultimately this has the potential to make the biggest impact on cats around the world. In the UK, we have the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. It sets and maintains the standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer, training instructor or animal behaviourist, and it maintains the national registers of appropriately qualified animal trainers and animal behaviourists."

Elizabeth Waring, MSc

Behaviour Distance Education Coordinator, International Cat Care (Website http://www.icatcare.org/, Twitter, Facebook)

"Having a better understanding of our cats real needs and what truly drives their behaviour"

“One thing that would make the world better for cats would be for us to better understand what a ‘cat’ is. Cats are complex creatures which have co-existed with us for thousands of years. Yet society is still playing catch up with regard to truly understanding their natural drives and needs. Compromised welfare is often the result of us misunderstanding their behaviour and the ways in which cats communicate. Cats are instinctive hunters, territorial, self-reliant and yet highly adaptable creatures. Often our modern ways of living mean compromising on a cat’s natural behaviours. For example, keeping indoor cats without access to appropriate space or outlet for their instinctive need to hunt. One of the biggest causes of stress for cats results from the common misconception by humans that they need the ‘company’ of other cats. Cats are self-reliant and highly territorial. They have no biological requirement for companionship, especially from their own kind, as they are adapted to hunt and defend their territories alone. Consequently, the introduction of another cat into their territory can often be a highly stressful experience. Having a better understanding of our cats real needs and what truly drives their behaviour could help owners to provide cats with improved environmental and social conditions. In turn, this will help reduce problems and enhance the welfare and quality of life for pet cats.”

Miranda Workman, MS, CABC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA

Clinical Assistant Professor, Animal Behaviour, Ecology and Conservation and Anthrozoology, Canisius College. Website: www.mirandakworkman.com

"the one thing that would make the world better for cats at an individual level would be to improve opportunities for cat owners/guardians to train them"

"I think the one thing that would make the world better for cats at an individual level would be to improve opportunities for cat owners/guardians to train them - give them more information about how unique each individual cat truly is, but that they all can be trained which could give them skills that would make coping with our anthropocentric environments much easier for them. What enrichment do they like? Do they prefer treats or toys for training? At a societal level I think there are few things that could change: 1). We need to re-think how we manage cats at a community level and in animal shelters. As long as those responsible for caring for cats continue to send the message that cats are second to dogs and we can put them in cages much too small for an acceptable life, the public won't see them differently. 2). We also need to reconsider how we deal with non-human animals, particularly cats, in our legal system. How we label them (are they companion animals, wildlife, feral…) matters in how we CAN treat them."


If you like this post, please share it with your family and friends. Together we can make the world better for cats!

What’s the one thing you think would make the world better for our feline friends?

Subscribe to Companion Animal Psychology to learn how to have happy dogs and cats.


You might also like: How to make the world better for dogs.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Companion Animal Psychology is also a participant in the Etsy Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Etsy.com.