Are multi-cat homes more stressful? A critical review of the evidence associated with cat group size and wellbeing.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The primary objective of this review was to conduct a systematic critical appraisal of published literature, in order to assess the evidence regarding the impact of cat group size on cat wellbeing in the domestic home. The secondary objectives were to: (i) identify additional social and environmental mediators of cat wellbeing in these contexts; and (ii) identify general limitations within the current evidence and provide recommendations for future studies.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) was conducted using targeted Boolean phrasing. Papers were retained for appraisal of full text where they included a comparison of both single (n = 1) and multi-cat (n ⩾2) domestic housing conditions and/or compariso

SUBMITTER: Finka LR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8807997 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature