Wild cat species range from the iconic lion and tiger to little-known small species like the margay and fishing cat, all facing threats that require species-specific conservation approaches with welfare dimensions.
Small wild cats receive a fraction of the conservation attention and funding of their larger relatives despite facing equivalent or greater threats. Snare injuries in small cats cause the same suffering as in larger species but with even less likelihood of veterinary rescue. Pet trade capture exposes small cats to transport stress, inappropriate care, and behavioral deterioration in captivity. Habitat loss forces small cats into agricultural landscapes where they face persecution and road mortality. The welfare of individual animals within small cat populations is as significant morally as that of individual lions or tigers, but the cultural invisibility of these species means their suffering attracts less attention and fewer resources. Building awareness of small wild cat diversity and conservation needs is a meaningful welfare intervention.