Research library
🧬 The Felid Wiki — 3,000 research summaries
AI-curated summaries for the pride’s library — verify citations independently before citing.
11 summaries in Captive Care & Welfare on cougar
Comparison of several types of enrichment for captive felids
PaperSkibiel, Trevino and Naugher systematically compared categories of enrichment, including food-based items, spices and scents, and novel objects, for captive cats to see which most effectively boosted…
Skibiel AL, Trevino HS, Naugher K · Zoo Biology · 2007
Research overview: accreditation and standards for big-cat sanctuaries
OverviewGenuine sanctuaries provide lifetime care for rescued big cats without breeding, commercial public contact or trade, distinguishing themselves from roadside attractions through formal standards. This…
Research overview: behavioural rehabilitation of rescued big cats in sanctuaries
OverviewBig cats arriving at sanctuaries from circuses, roadside zoos, private ownership or the pet trade often carry physical and psychological scars, including declawing, malnutrition, obesity, dental disea…
Research overview: declawing and other elective procedures in captive big cats
OverviewDeclawing of big cats, performed in some private and entertainment settings to reduce injury risk to handlers, removes the last bone of each toe and has lasting welfare consequences. This overview sur…
Research overview: geriatric care of captive big cats
OverviewCaptive big cats often live well beyond their wild lifespans, so managing ageing animals has become a central welfare task. This overview surveys geriatric felid care: recognising and treating chronic…
Research overview: quality-of-life assessment and end-of-life decisions for captive felids
OverviewDeciding when a chronically ill or aged big cat's welfare no longer justifies continued life is among the most difficult tasks in captive felid care. This overview surveys structured quality-of-life a…
Research overview: rotational exhibits and giving felids access to varied space
OverviewRotational exhibit systems allow multiple species or individuals to take turns occupying a series of connected spaces, multiplying the effective territory and novelty available to each animal. This ov…
Research overview: substrate, flooring and their welfare effects in captive cats
OverviewThe surfaces captive cats stand, walk and rest on affect comfort, health and behaviour, yet substrate is easily overlooked. This overview surveys substrate welfare for felids: the problems of hard, ab…
Research overview: welfare and husbandry of captive pumas and rescued cougars
OverviewPumas, also called cougars or mountain lions, are commonly held in zoos and frequently appear among rescued cats in sanctuaries, often arriving from the pet trade or roadside attractions. This overvie…
Research overview: welfare and safety of privately owned big cats
OverviewPrivate ownership of tigers, lions and other big cats, historically widespread in some countries, raises acute welfare and public-safety concerns. This overview surveys the issues: inadequate enclosur…
Research overview: welfare in roadside zoos and pseudo-sanctuaries
OverviewMany big cats live in poorly regulated roadside zoos and facilities that adopt the sanctuary label without meeting its standards, raising acute welfare concerns. This overview surveys the issues disti…