När händerna inte räcker till; En antropologisk studie om djurvårdarens vardag, motgångar och känslomässiga engagemang i intag, vård och omplacering av herrelösa katter

Abstract

Behind every rescued cat, there are individuals who invest time, money, emotions, and commitment. Their efforts often go unnoticed, yet they form a crucial point in the survival and wellbeing of stray cats. Despite this, there is barely any Swedish research about their daily lives and the challenges that they face. Through a study, this bachelor’s thesis examines the everyday life of caregivers who take care of stray cats, focusing on their experiences and work related to intake, care and rehoming of these cats. The study uses an ethnographic method that includes participant observations and interviews at various cat shelters, foster homes, and the animal ambulance. Using previous research and two analytic frameworks: Bourdieu’s (1977) practice theory and Pink’s (2012) theory of everyday practice, the study has been analyzed to evaluate the research. These perspectives contribute to a deeper understanding of how caregivers navigate their roles and challenges that arise in their work. The result shows that the work of animal caregivers' engagements is built on care and love for the animals which manifest in the work that they do, from everyday life to practices such as intake, care and rehoming of these cats. In these practices the caregivers use different methods and influences of different capitals, such as economic, social, cultural and symbolic to navigate their world. In their strategic navigations they face different challenges such as emotional feelings, economic costs and society. In summary, the study provides a unique insight into everyday life of Swedish animal caregivers focused on stray cats. Further research could explore similar caregiving for other animals, such as dogs and rodents, as well as extend to more geographical areas beyond Västra Götaland. The thesis is written in Swedish.