Researchers from the University of Lincoln have launched a unique study to gauge what the UK public really think about meandering moggies.
There are more than ten million cats in the UK and many are free to roam around their local communities, winding their way through streets, gardens, parks and commercial areas on their travels.
The survey, the first of its kind in the UK, will help to quantify and qualify risks that cats face when out and about. The researchers welcome responses from people who do not own cats as well as people who do.
Kevin Mahon, Feline Friends Cat Welfare Scholar at the University of Lincoln, who is working with Professor Mills on the study, said: “By nature cats are inquisitive, predatory and territorial animals, so it’s no surprise that they satisfy those instincts by wandering around our neighbourhoods. This behaviour can also expose them to risks though, and in this study, we’re hoping to gain a better understanding of just what those risks are. The findings will be extremely important to our ongoing research into companion animal welfare and we’d greatly appreciate the help of members of the public in completing our survey.”
There are two versions of the survey available online; one for cat owners: www.surveymonkey.com/s/UOLCatOwners and one for non cat owners: www.surveymonkey.com/s/UOLNonCatOwners
For further information contact Kevin Mahon, Feline Friends Cat Welfare Scholar at the University of Lincoln’s School of Life Sciences, on: kmahon@lincoln.ac.uk