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

TL;DR

This study explores how Swedish cat breeders socialize kittens and finds gaps between their knowledge and practices, which can affect cat welfare.

Contribution

The study identifies specific gaps in breeder practices and knowledge regarding kitten socialisation in Sweden.

Findings

More breeders emphasized the importance of multiple people handling kittens than actually practiced it.

Breeders reported the importance of kitten interactions with other animals but rarely implemented it.

Gaps in knowledge were found regarding optimal socialisation age and handling quantity.

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 with other companion animals than they demonstrated in practice. Gaps in knowledge were identified regarding the optimal age for socialisation, handling quantity, and the heritability of traits relating to the approach to new experiences. Breeders generally expressed positive attitudes towards socialisation and wished they could have prioritised it more. These findings have important implications for animal welfare, as insufficient early socialisation can increase the risk of fear-related behaviours and reduced overall cat welfare later in life. In conclusion, this study, although based on a convenience sample, provides an important first step towards understanding and improving kitten socialisation practices in Sweden and elsewhere.

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