I don’t think you can claim that wildcats of the stone age would be pleased with what we’ve done to domestic cats either, sticking them in tiny territories where they cannot roam, kingdoms of a cage. I’m not sure using human judgement in this matter is very useful as we don’t have a good concept of what other species value.
Just one factor, but the life expectancy of domestic dogs and cats is generally higher than their wild progenitors. I agree we can’t know for sure, but I would guess this with limitless food and good healthcare, and less worry about being attacked at night would mean the subjective wellbeing of domesticated cats and dogs is higher than the wild ones, despite less freedom.
Just one factor, but the life expectancy of domestic dogs and cats is generally higher than their wild progenitors. I agree we can’t know for sure, but I would guess this with limitless food and good healthcare, and less worry about being attacked at night would mean the subjective wellbeing of domesticated cats and dogs is higher than the wild ones, despite less freedom.