Dando, TR. et al. (2025) Cat owners' perceptions of domestic cats and implications for European wildcat (Felis silvestris) restoration

Cat owners are key stakeholders and influencers in discourses around cat management. While research has examined cat impacts on wildlife, there is limited understanding of cat owners' perspectives on management responsibilities, particularly in regions where European wildcats Felis silvestris are threatened by hybridisation with domestic cats Felis catus. To address this gap, we conducted semi-structured interviews with rural-living cat owners within two regions of the UK where wildcat reintroductions are being contemplated.