Exploring domestic cat welfare: Gaps, challenges, and the role of zoosemiotics in feline well-being
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F62690094%3A18460%2F24%3A50021741" target="_blank" >RIV/62690094:18460/24:50021741 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://ojs.utlib.ee/index.php/sss/article/view/24500" target="_blank" >https://ojs.utlib.ee/index.php/sss/article/view/24500</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.12697/SSS.2024.52.1-2.07" target="_blank" >10.12697/SSS.2024.52.1-2.07</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Exploring domestic cat welfare: Gaps, challenges, and the role of zoosemiotics in feline well-being
Original language description
This article investigates the welfare of domestic cats by adopting a zoosemiotic perspective. It gives a broad picture of animal welfare in general and contextualizes studies conducted on cats within this, revealing differences in research foci compared to dogs. However, the main focus lies on the complexities of human– cat relationships and societal perceptions, which belong to the realm of ethological and anthropological zoosemiotics. Thus, we emphasize the importance of an integrated approach in comprehensive welfare assessments. Key factors such as increased human–cat interaction, societal constraints, and subjective experiences emerge as significant influences on cat welfare. Collaboration between veterinarians and behaviourists is encouraged, alongside with increased education of cat caregivers. Taking this line is supported by information gathered from interviews we conducted with Czech cat behaviourists. The article suggests a paradigm shift in research methodologies, proposing the use of zoosemiotic theories to comprehend alloanimal agency in general and cats’ agency in particular to enhance their well-being. The study’s goal is to identify the existing gaps and controversies in cat welfare literature (e.g. contradictions in devising best keeping conditions, insufficient education concerning cat welfare) by analysing relevant and recent studies in this field. Additionally, we aim to improve understanding of cat welfare as a complex phenomenon, and, with the help of zoosemiotics (umwelt theory and critical anthropomorphism), promote a comprehensive approach to the welfare of household cats in human-dominated environments.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
60302 - Ethics (except ethics related to specific subfields)
Result continuities
Project
<a href="/en/project/GA23-05374S" target="_blank" >GA23-05374S: Reframing Philosophical Anthropology: Searching for an Anthropological Difference Beyond the Nature/Culture Dichotomy</a><br>
Continuities
P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)
Others
Publication year
2024
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Sign Systems Studies
ISSN
1406-4243
e-ISSN
1736-7409
Volume of the periodical
52
Issue of the periodical within the volume
1-2
Country of publishing house
EE - ESTONIA
Number of pages
23
Pages from-to
185-207
UT code for WoS article
001325612400007
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-85205806252