title: AAFP and ISFM feline environmental needs guidelines.
abstract: GUIDELINES RATIONALE: A cat's level of comfort with its environment is intrinsically linked to its physical health, emotional wellbeing and behavior. Having a basic understanding of the cat's species-specific environmental needs and how cats interact with their environment will provide a foundation for addressing these fundamental requirements. ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS: Addressing environmental needs is essential (not optional) for optimum wellbeing of the cat. Environmental needs include those relating not only to the cat's physical surroundings (indoors or outdoors; in the home environment or at the veterinary practice) but also those affecting social interaction, including responses to human contact. FIVE 'PILLARS' FRAMEWORK: The authorship panel has organized the Guidelines around five primary concepts ('pillars') that provide the framework for a healthy feline environment. Understanding these principles and the unique environmental needs of the cat will help veterinarians, cat owners and care-givers to reduce stress, the incidence of stress-related disorders, and unwanted behavior in their feline patients and pets. The recommendations in the Guidelines apply to all pet cats, regardless of lifestyle.
authors: Sarah L H
authors: SL
authors: Ellis
authors: Ilona
authors: I
authors: Rodan
authors: Hazel C
authors: HC
authors: Carney
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Heath
authors: Irene
authors: I
authors: Rochlitz
authors: Lorinda D
authors: LD
authors: Shearburn
authors: Eliza
authors: E
authors: Sundahl
authors: Jodi L
authors: JL
authors: Westropp
mesh_terms: D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D002415:Cats / Q000502:physiology*; D004777:Environment; D006799:Housing, Animal; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D007390:International Agencies; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018634:Veterinarians; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards