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An Investigation of Shelter Workers’ Perspectives on the Assessment and Management of Unowned Cat Welfare in the United Kingdom

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Free-living unowned cats are prevalent across the UK and may experience numerous welfare challenges. However, there is limited research around this. Cat shelter workers were interviewed on the complexities of unowned cat welfare and management, current barriers and recommended solutions. A total of 25 participants partook in semi-structured one-to-one interviews, which were thematically analysed. Some of the main welfare concerns described were overpopulation, health issues, the absence of preventative medical care, cruelty, and neglect. Key barriers included limited resources, funding, personnel and infrastructure, alongside inappropriate management of cats not suited to domestic lifestyles. External barriers included insufficient government support, limited public awareness around cat welfare issues, and fragmented care provision of cats within the community. Other overlapping barriers include inconsistent terminology use and management practices within shelters and communities. Participants recommended more strategic use of shelter resources towards population management programmes including TNR, professional staff training, and the standardisation of terms such as "stray" and "feral". They advocated for a shared responsibility framework for unowned cats involving animal welfare organisations, the veterinary sector, communities, and the government. This would include stronger collaboration between charities to share knowledge and establish industry best practice, alongside greater government support through the introduction and enforcement of legislation.
Source: Animals
DOI: 10.3390/ani16111641
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7162487945
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