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Review summary

Recommendations for the housing of cats in homes, catteries, shelters, laboratories and veterinary surgeries

Rochlitz I · Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery · 1999

Rochlitz reviewed evidence on feline housing across the many settings cats are confined and distilled practical recommendations. She emphasised providing adequate space with vertical structure, hiding places, separation of feeding, resting and elimination areas, control over social contact, and minimisation of stressors such as noise and unpredictable handling. The review synthesised welfare science into actionable standards applicable from the home to the laboratory, stressing that cats need choice and the ability to perform natural behaviours. It became a foundational reference for feline housing guidelines and is frequently cited in shelter design, laboratory-animal welfare and veterinary cattery standards. The work helped establish baseline expectations for humane feline confinement.

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