The Feral Catlas Project

Anthropological Frameworks

Examining the issue of feral and stray cats through an anthropological lens reveals the complex interplay between urban environments and their human and non-human inhabitants. My research on fosterers and rescue volunteers in London connects deeply with activist and applied strands of anthropology. Addressing this urban environmental issue requires a holistic approach that incorporates ecological, social, and cultural dimensions, as emphasized by scholars like Ingold, Haraway, and Pink, who advocate for interdisciplinary approaches considering both human and non-human actors.

Tim Ingold's (2022) emphasis on understanding human-environment relationships as dynamic and interconnected aligns closely with my exploration of the interactions between humans and feral cats, and informs my ethnographic research on feral and stray cats in London and the impact of local volunteers who foster these cats until they find forever homes. Ingold’s work helps highlight how volunteers and cats form a continuous flow of life and activity, shaping each other's experiences and environments. This perspective encourages viewing the fostering process as part of a holistic engagement where humans and cats co-create their shared living spaces. Furthermore, Ingold's advocacy for an embodied perception of the environment resonates with the hands-on, sensory-rich practices of volunteers who care for these cats. By applying Ingold's ecological anthropology framework, my research illuminates how fostering relationships enable a deeper, more participatory understanding of urban ecosystems and community dynamics in London.

Donna Haraway's "Companion Species Manifesto" (2020) also informs my ethnographic research. Haraway's emphasis on the interconnectedness and hybridity of species challenges traditional anthropocentric views, encouraging a more inclusive understanding of human-animal relationships. This perspective highlights the ethical and emotional complexities involved in fostering. By recognizing the mutual dependencies and significant "otherness" that Haraway describes, I can explore how volunteers navigate their roles, not merely as caregivers but as participants in a shared ecological and social world. The more humans interact with entities like stray and feral cats through fostering, the stronger and more conscientious their bonds with their surroundings become. This engagement can spur community betterment and activism among regular London inhabitants, fostering a collective sense of responsibility and care for both their environment and its nonhuman residents.

The Feral Atlas (Tsing et al. 2021) provides a key source of inspiration for my ethnographic research, particularly in understanding the impact of local volunteers who foster feral and stray cats. Feral Atlas is an online interactive platform for scientific research and dissemination on feral species and dynamics in the Anthropocene. Drawing inspiration from the Feral Atlas, my project, the Feral Catlas, pays homage to its emphasis on the more-than-human Anthropocene and the unintended ecological consequences of human activities. The Feral Atlas highlights the dynamic and interconnected nature of human and nonhuman interactions, much like the relationships between Londoners and the growing stray and feral cat population. By documenting these relationships, the Feral Catlas aims to reveal the complex entanglements and shared environments that shape the experiences of both cats and their human caretakers. This approach not only enriches our understanding of urban ecosystems but also aligns with contemporary ecological anthropology, emphasizing the agency of nonhuman entities and the collaborative efforts required to foster harmonious co-existence in urban settings.

The Feral Catlas project exemplifies participatory ethnography by actively involving cat rescue volunteers and fosterers in the research process. This collaboration ensures that their perspectives shape the research agenda, data collection, and analysis. Working closely with these community members, the project documents the nuanced interactions and challenges they face, empowering them to contribute their insights. This engagement gives them a sense of ownership and highlights their critical role in addressing London's feral and stray cat issue.

The project aims to create practical outcomes, such as an online resource to raise awareness about fostering and connect potential fosterers with relevant organizations, demonstrating the tangible benefits of participatory ethnography in driving community-led solutions.

Conducting participatory ethnography with these volunteers provides valuable insights into human-animal relationships and urban ecological dynamics. This research advocates for the humane treatment and adoption of stray cats, highlighting broader social and ethical issues surrounding animal neglect and the importance of grassroots activism. It embodies applied anthropology by using ethnographic methods to identify practical solutions that improve the fostering process and support systems for volunteers. By applying anthropological insights, the research sheds light on the cultural and social dynamics of animal rescue and seeks to influence policies and practices that enhance the welfare of both cats and communities. This underscores the need to raise awareness about fostering, an ideal solution for busy Londoners seeking companionship without long-term commitment. Fostering offers mutual rewards, fostering bonds between people and animals while positively impacting rescue shelters. Highlighting these benefits and facilitating connections to relevant organizations can inspire more Londoners to engage in fostering, improving the well-being of both cats and the urban environment.