Changes

==Cooperation Between Cat Owners==

==Cooperation Between Cat Owners==

According to Pet Food Manufacturers Association data, the pet cat population in the UK more than doubled between 1965 and 2004, with an estimated 10-million cats being kept as pets in the UK (2010) . Cat ownership is increasing, which means that local feline population density may be very high, and rising. The problems of [[Inappropriate Elimination - Cat|house soiling]] and [[Indoor Marking - Cat|indoor marking]] that affect one cat owner may also be affecting others. Indoor and outdoor environmental modification can have a much more dramatic effect on the welfare and behaviour of cats, if all cat owners in a neighbourhood make the same changes. Veterinary practices should encourage neighbours to work together to solve problems that arise form overpopulation and inter-cat conflict. Distribution of advice leaflets and running educational evening can help, and will gain good publicity for the practice. It can be beneficial for clients to be educated in feline behaviour, social structure and resource requirements.

According to Pet Food Manufacturers Association data, the pet cat population in the UK more than doubled between 1965 and 2004, with an estimated 10-million cats being kept as pets in the UK (2010)<ref>Murray, .K., Browne, W.J., Roberts, M.A., Whitmarsh, A. Gruffydd-Jones, T.J (2010) Number and ownership profiles of cats and dogs in the UK. "Veterinary Record". 166:163-168.</ref>. This increase in population density may contribute to problems of intercat aggression, [[Inappropriate Elimination - Cat|house soiling]] and [[Indoor Marking - Cat|indoor marking]]. In urban areas with high pet cat population density, veterinary practices may need to encourage or organise cooperation between neighbours in a community in order to improve outdoor space for cats (for example, improving availability of outdoor latrine sites). Providing resident cats with access to a stimulating outdoor environment, with densely planted borders, trees, resting sites, and wildlife (birds and insects) improves their quality of life.

==References==

==References==