Exploring kitten socialisation practices and welfare implications within a Swedish breeding association.

ABSTRACT: A kitten's early experiences have lasting effects on adult behaviour and welfare. Domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) breeders play an important role in shaping these outcomes through their knowledge and understanding of early environment and socialisation. This study aimed to investigate Swedish pedigree cat breeders' knowledge, attitudes and current socialisation practices. An online survey was distributed via social media to active Swedish breeders of pedigree cats (n = 133). The data were analysed primarily using descriptive statistics with several areas for improvement being identified. More breeders stated the importance of multiple people handling the kittens than they applied in practice. Significantly more breeders reported that it was important for kittens to interact wi

SUBMITTER: Hirsch EN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12836311 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature