The effects of physical characteristics of the environment and feeding regime on the behavior of captive felids

Lyons, Young and Deag surveyed multiple felid species across enclosures differing in size, complexity and feeding routine to identify what most affects behaviour. They found that enclosure usage and activity depended strongly on the availability of elevated resting sites, visual barriers and vegetation, and that feeding regime influenced activity patterns and pacing. Rather than raw floor area, the quality and arrangement of space, especially vertical structure and concealment, predicted more naturalistic behaviour. The study provided practical, comparative guidance for designing felid exhibits, highlighting that cats value height and hiding over sheer size. It remains widely cited in enclosure-design recommendations for cats from servals to tigers.