Читать книгу Animal Cruelty Investigations - Группа авторов - Страница 114

Cats are often kept as indoor pets but can also be found living exclusively outdoors as community cats (which can consist of tame or unsocialized felines living singly, in small groups, or in larger colonies [Figure 2.2]). Cats are carnivores and have a higher protein requirement than other mammals. They require access to potable water and an area free from their feces and urine. Cats kept in crowded or confined conditions frequently develop upper respiratory and eye infections characterized by congestion, nasal and eye discharge, sneezing, and wheezing. They are also at a higher risk of developing skin conditions such as ringworm or scabies, and viral diseases including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) [5]. Unaltered cats breed prolifically, and unneutered male cats are known to fight each other, which can cause wounds that may develop into painful abscesses. Outdoor cats need access to shelter from extreme hot and cold temperatures.

Figure 2.2 Community cats may be tame or unsocialized and often live in colonies.

Source: Kayte Wolf.