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Will a hiding box provide stress reduction for shelter cats?
... Fearful or aggressive behaviour as well as hormones released in response to stress may influence the assessment of clinical pathology and make its interpretation complicated. Therefore it seems necessary to make efforts to reduce the intensity of stress during veterinary visits and to pay particular attention to the values of basic stress parameters related to the level of manifested stress in order to better interpret the results of clinical and laboratory examinations of cats (5,8,16,17,32,35). ...
... The assessment was performed by the same doctor (K.W.), who observed the cats within the first 10-15 minutes of the visit. The visit was prepared and proceeded according to recommenda- Explanations: i -cat is inactive; a -cat is active tions designed to minimise stress (9,24,32). The behavioural assessment was performed on the basis of a modified Kessler and Turner categorisation (7). ...
... The Cat Stress Score (CSS) developed by Kessler and Turner is a commonly used method of behavioural stress assessment (9,24,32). Despite the universality of its application, several users and the authors themselves suggest the need for further improvement (3,7). ...
The aim of this study was to combine the estimated intensity of acute stress experienced by cats in the veterinary clinic with the assessment of serum cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, glucose and platelet counts. The authors aimed to answer the question of whether the generally known acute stress markers correlate with the degree of stress experienced by cats in the veterinary clinic. Fifty clinically healthy cats were studied. Behavioural assessment of stress was performed according to the modified criteria indicated by Kessler and Turner under conditions of minimal stress recommended for veterinary medicine. Serum levels of cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, glucose and platelet count were determined by recognized and commonly used methods. The cats examined in the clinic were divided into 3 groups according tothe type of stress reaction. In 8 (16%) cats, the behaviour was “relaxed”, 25 (50%) cats showed “tense” stress reactions, and in 17 (34%) cats, strong reactions of fear were noted. Serum levels of cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, glucose and platelet count differed between the groups, but the differences were not statistically significant and did not correlate with the degree of acute stress in cats. It is concluded that a large number of cats (84%) experience stress in the clinic and that the working methods of veterinary teams should be further improved to minimize it. When cats exhibit less fear during veterinary examinations, their owners are more likely to schedule examinations, and veterinarians are more likely to obtain accurate measures during the examination, which improves the overall welfare of the cat. Another conclusion is that the biochemical parameters tested did not meet the conditions to be treated as measures of acute stress in cats. Therefore, further research is needed to find indicators associated with the degree of acute stress in cats.
... Included in these publications was one dissertation (Hawkins, 2005), which was comprised of multiple studies evaluating two different types of interventions-hide boxes and human interaction. Six publications presented studies evaluating the impact of hide boxes (Ellis et al., 2021;Hawkins, 2005;Kry and Casey, 2007;Leij et al., 2019;Moore and Bain, 2013;Vinke et al., 2014). Four publications evaluated the effects of human interaction (Gourkow et al., 2014a;Gourkow and Phillips, 2015;Hawkins, 2005;Liu et al., 2020). ...
... A consistent finding in several studies was that during the first week after intake, cats that received hide boxes had lower CSS scores than cats that did not receive hide boxes. By the second week in the shelter, the CSS scores were the same for cats that received hide boxes and those that did not (Ellis et al., 2021;Hawkins, 2005;Kry and Casey, 2007;Leij et al., 2019;Vinke et al., 2014). Physiological measurements, such as urinary cortisol: creatinine ratio, and physical metrics, such as weight loss, did not correlate with the CSS and did not differ between the cats that received hide boxes and those that did not (Hawkins, 2005;Vinke et al., 2014). ...
... By the second week in the shelter, the CSS scores were the same for cats that received hide boxes and those that did not (Ellis et al., 2021;Hawkins, 2005;Kry and Casey, 2007;Leij et al., 2019;Vinke et al., 2014). Physiological measurements, such as urinary cortisol: creatinine ratio, and physical metrics, such as weight loss, did not correlate with the CSS and did not differ between the cats that received hide boxes and those that did not (Hawkins, 2005;Vinke et al., 2014). CSS scores increased in cats when hide boxes were removed after 7 days in the shelter, indicating that their use may have some longer term benefit (Hawkins, 2005). ...
The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of the published welfare and quality of life assessments that are available for shelter cats. The specific objectives were to identify the available assessments, characterize the assessments as validated or non-validated, and discuss how the available tools were used in the shelter environment. Literature published globally, in English or with an available English translation, between the years 2000 and 2021 was identified through searching five databases and hand searching. Abstracts and full papers were screened, relevant articles obtained based on the inclusion criteria, and welfare assessment methods were characterized. Of 687 unique citations identified, 30 met the inclusion criteria of including a quality of life assessment or welfare analysis in shelter cats. There were seven validated ethogram-based assessment tools and two validated physiological-based assessment methods used to evaluate stress and welfare. Assessment tools were used to either evaluate a cat’s acclimation to the shelter environment or evaluate welfare interventions. The Cat Stress Score (CSS) was the most commonly used tool to evaluate stress, with its inclusion in 19 publications. However, the stress level identified on the CSS only correlated with measures of physiological stress in one out of four studies, highlighting the difficulty and complexity of determining stress levels in cats. In general, welfare assessments that incorporated physical and behavior metrics provided a comprehensive evaluation of general welfare and were shown to be reliable between raters. Cats generally acclimate to the shelter within a few weeks. Stress and welfare assessments indicated that the acclimation period was less stressful for cats that were provided hide boxes and/or human interaction. Shelters should consider incorporating a validated assessment into their welfare program and incorporate interventions, such as hide boxes or structured human interaction, to help relieve acute acclimation stress.
... It is possible that this brief observation period was not indicative of the cats' overall stress (or fear). Previous methods of scoring CSS have included both live coding [10,17,38,41,42,47,[65][66][67][68][69] and the use of videos [47,[70][71][72][73]. The duration and frequency of the observations used to score CSS have also varied from brief one time observations [68] to observations every 30 minutes for seven hours [42]. ...
... The duration and frequency of the observations used to score CSS have also varied from brief one time observations [68] to observations every 30 minutes for seven hours [42]. Although many studies have averaged scores from multiple observations into one overall score [17,66,67,[70][71][72][73], the studies do not report the intraindividual variability. Thus, it is difficult to determine whether it is necessary to have multiple observation periods, or if one is sufficient. ...
Monitoring and decreasing stress in cats housed in animal shelters is essential for maintaining adequate welfare. Urine output is a potential indicator of shelter cat stress. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the provision of extra space using a portal connecting two kennels and daily petting on urine output at two different municipal shelters in the United States. Cats (n = 59) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control, Portal, Petting, and Portal and Petting. Litter clumps were weighed daily for five days as a measure of urine output. Additionally, cats were given a daily Cat Stress Score. Experimental group did not significantly predict urine output nor Cat Stress Score. However, living at Shelter B significantly predicted increased urine output. The results from the present study suggest that shelter-related factors might impact urine output of cats more than kennel size or petting alone.
... The study of stress and related behavioral problems in cats has the significance of promoting cat wellbeing, human-cat relationship, and healthier ecosystem as a result of reduced abandonment of owned cats. Management of stress in cats often includes the provision of environmental enrichment, such as hiding enrichment (8)(9)(10)(11). Dietary supplementation of functional ingredients and prescribed antidepressants were also reported in pet dogs and cats (12,13) which are beyond the scope of the current review. Similar to many other carnivore species, cats rely heavily on their olfactory system to explore the physical and social environment. ...
... Acute stress Anxious posture, shaking, fast ventilation, fully dilated pupil and flattened ears, tail close to the body, plaintive vocalization (24)(25)(26)(27), struggle, motor activity and aggression (27)(28)(29), hiding attempt (8)(9)(10)(11) Reduced activity level and diversity, including play, exploration, and maintenance behavior such as feeding, drinking, and elimination (25,26,30,31), reduced social affiliation and facial marking (22,32), occurrence of feigned sleep (33,34), increased vigilance (35), ...
Domestic cats are descended from solitary wild species and rely heavily on the olfaction system and chemical signals for daily activities. Cats kept as companion animals may experience stress due to a lack of predictability in their physical or social environment. The olfactory system is intimately connected to the brain regions controlling stress response, thus providing unique opportunities for olfactory strategies to modify stress and related behavioral problems in cats. However, the olfactory intervention of stress in cats has been mainly focused on several analog chemical signals and studies often provide inconsistent and non-replicable results. Supportive evidence in the literature for the potentially effective olfactory stimuli (e.g., cheek and mammary gland secretions, and plant attractants) in treating stress in cats was reviewed. Limitations with some of the work and critical considerations from studies with natural or negative results were discussed as well. Current findings sometimes constitute weak evidence of a reproducible effect of cat odor therapy for stress. The welfare application of an olfactory stimulus in stress alleviation requires a better understanding of its biological function in cats and the mechanisms at play, which may be achieved in future studies through methodological improvement (e.g., experiment pre-registration and appropriate control setting) and in-depth investigation with modern techniques that integrate multisource data. Contributions from individual and environmental differences should be considered for the stress response of a single cat and its sensitivity to olfactory manipulation. Olfactory strategies customized for specific contexts and individual cats can be more effective in improving the welfare of cats in various stressful conditions.
... Stress caused by a barren environment can be alleviated by providing more opportunities to express natural behavior, including hunting (e.g., toys and structured play with guardians) and scent marking (e.g., scratch poles; Amat et al., 2016). Studies generally show that richer environments are associated with a decline in health problems and fewer behavioral problems (e.g., Loberg & Lundmark, 2016;Strickler & Shull, 2013;Vinke, Godijn, & van der Leij, 2014). ...
... Feline behavioral problems can be managed successfully by good advice from cat-behavior professionals, provided that guardians comply with their expert advice. Environmental modification and enrichment have been proven to improve health and reduce behavioral problems among cats (e.g., Loberg & Lundmark, 2016;Vinke et al., 2014). However, they can also be experienced as quite invasive by guardians, making them reluctant to comply. ...
Feline behavioral problems can be treated successfully by good advice from cat-behavior advisors, but guardians often do not comply with their advice. An experimental survey under 703 cat guardians was used to investigate what advisors can do to increase their clients' compliance with environmental enrichment advice. By systematically varying the credibility of the advisor and the severity of their advice, the hypothesis was confirmed that highly credible advisors elicit more positive attitudes and compliance intentions than less credible advisors. Also as expected, mild advice resulted in stronger compliance intentions than severe advice because guardians believed they were better able to incorporate the required actions. Finally, guardians who more strongly thought of themselves as cat guardians were more likely to adopt the advice because they believed that other cat guardians would do the same. The investigation of factors that can increase cat guardians' compliance with advisors' recommendations for the treatment of behavioral problems is crucial because the wellbeing of domestic cats lies in the hands of their guardians. Several practical recommendations for cat-behavior advisors are offered.
... Cats often show preferences for locations and furniture, and to help retain environmental stability, key resources such as beds, hiding areas, marking aids and litter trays should not be regularly moved or changed [32,33]. Provision of hiding opportunities (such as a cardboard box) can help reduce stress and the cat's ability to cope by avoiding interactions [34,35]. Pheromonal marking is normal and can be supported by providing multiple scratch areas, grooming aids and surfaces for olfactory signals (car- ...
... Cats often show preferences for locations and furniture, and to help retain environmental stability, key resources such as beds, hiding areas, marking aids and litter trays should not be regularly moved or changed [32,33]. Provision of hiding opportunities (such as a cardboard box) can help reduce stress and the cat's ability to cope by avoiding interactions [34,35]. Pheromonal marking is normal and can be supported by providing multiple scratch areas, grooming aids and surfaces for olfactory signals (carpet/cloth). ...
Simple Summary
Environmental enrichment is the provision of equipment or enhancement to an animal’s living area with the goal to improve animal welfare. Equipment is often provided without assessment of suitability or continuous revision. Enrichment constraints can vary between different animal settings and include limited space, budget and lack of opportunity for enhancement. Simple improvements and attention to the animal’s individual needs and preferences can allow further enrichment optimisation.
Abstract
Dogs and cats housed in research-, kennel- and cattery-type settings are reliant on caregivers to optimise their day-to-day experiences and welfare. The goal is to provide enriching environments for physical, social and environmental control; behavioural choice and opportunities to live as varied a life as possible. However, there are numerous challenges in these environments such as lack of appropriate enrichment for group housing, budget for equipment/training, study controls, time and space to make improvements. In addition, research settings are required to comply with legislation for care, husbandry and housing, and as standards differ between regions, conditions will vary between settings. Sharing knowledge in this field can only help drive a wider culture of care by helping improve the lives and welfare of animals cared for. This article presents some of the environmental enrichment strategies effective at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, UK.
... Early-stage CKD cats with lower HCC levels had more elevated spaces to climb, whereas late-stage CKD cats had more hiding spaces. This finding is consistent with a meta-analysis on indoor cat behavior and welfare by Foreman-Worsley and Farnworth [84], as well as environmental enrichment studies on shelter cats by Vinke et al. and Houser and Vitale [22,85]. This suggests a close association between environmental enrichment, which reflects natural behavioral patterns, and CKD in cats. ...
This study used hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and the Feline Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire as indicators of chronic stress status and behavioral changes in cats, respectively. Few studies have simultaneously employed both indices to examine cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate HCC and questionnaire data from control group cats (n = 21) and those with CKD (n = 21). Additionally, we investigated the correlation between HCC and living environment. For this study, hair samples were collected from the cats’ abdomens and analyzed for HCC. Owners completed questionnaires to provide information on their cats’ behavior, demographics, environmental factors, and household characteristics over 3 months. Cats in the late-stage CKD group had significantly higher HCC levels than those in the early-stage CKD and control groups. We observed different associations between behavioral patterns, living environments, and HCC depending on the stage of CKD progression. The consistency between the HCC findings and questionnaire results, including the higher HCC levels in the late-stage CKD group and behavioral changes in the CKD group, suggests the possibility of a complex interaction between CKD progression and chronic stress.
... Dürtüsel davranışları az çevrelerine iyi uyum sağlayan ve rutinden hoşlanan kediler bu grupta yer alırlar. İyi uyumlu ve mutlu kedi grubunu oluşturan bu grup, insanlar tarafından en çok kabul gören kedi grubunu oluşturmaktadır (Turner & Rieger, 2001;Wedl ve ark., 2011;Travnik ve ark., 2018;Vitale, 2018 (Mertens, 1991;Stammbach & Turner, 1999;Richards, 2004;Bernstein, 2007 (Houser & Vitale, 2022;Grigg, 2022;Wolf, 2022 Gourkow & Fraser, 2006;Kry & Casey, 2007;Stella ve ark., 2011;Godijn, 2013;Vinke ve ark., 2014;Stella ve ark., 2014;Overall & Dyer, 2005). (Hensel & Schäfer, 1982;Levy ve ark., 2015). ...
Antik kökenleri tam olarak bilmesek de kediyle olan etkileşimimizin en az 9 500 yıl önce
başladığı düşünülmektedir. Bu uzun süreçte ne yazık ki onu olması gerektiği kadar tanıyabilmiş
değiliz. En önemlisi de bunca yıla rağmen kedi bizim için hala bir çok yönüyle gizemini koruyan
öngörülemez bir hayvandır. Bunca yıla rağmen onunla iletişim kurmakta hala zorlanıyoruz.
Kendi isteğiyle evcilleşmeye evet diyen ve her geçen gün evlerimizde daha çok yer edinen
onuna ilgilenmemize ancak kendi isteği olduğunda izin veren bu canlının insanlık tarihinde bıraktığı
önemli izler vardır. Tarihsel süreçte kimi zaman şeytanla özdeşleştirilen kimi zaman da tanrısal
nitelikler atfedilen kediyi, ve onun özelliklerini, ihtiyaçlarını bilimsel anlamda araştırmaya çok geç
başladık.
Türkçe kaynaklar üzerinde yapılacak bir çalışmada çiftlik hayvanları ile ilgili onca bilimsel
makale ve kitap varken kedilerle ilgili bilimsel makale ve kitapların yok denecek kadar az olduğu
hemen görülecektir. İnternet üzerinden yapılacak araştırmalarda kedilerle ilgili yetiştirme ve
beslemeye dair bilgilerin popüler ev hayvanı sitelerinde verilen oldukça yüzeysel ve dar kapsamlı
bilgileri kapsadığı, akademik çalışmaların ise çok birkaç makaleden ibaret olduğu görülmektedir.
Bu kitabın yazılma amacı, kedilerin beslenmesine dair geniş kapsamlı bilimsel bilginin Türkçe
bir kitapta toplanmasıdır. Kitabın incelenmesinde de görüleceği gibi kitap, kedilerin tüm yaşam
süreçleri içerisinde beslenmelerine ilişkin kapsamlı bilgi sunmaktadır. Kitap hem hesaplamalar ve
hem de tablolarla okuyucularına kedi beslemeye ait veriler sunarken aynı zamanda beslemeye bağlık
hastalıklar, kedilerin evciltme süreci, kedi ırkları, kedilerin kişilik yapıları, kedilerin çiftleşme
davranışı, kedilerin iletişim araçları ile kedilerin çevre ve barınma istekleri ile kedilerde stres
kaynakları üzerinde de okuyucuya farklı başlıklar altında bilimsel kitap ve makalelerden önemli
bilgiler sunmaktadır.
Kitap, akademik literatüre katkı yapmayı amaçlayarak yazılmış olsa da gerek ziraat
fakültelerinin zootekni bölümü öğrencileri gerekse de veteriner fakültesi öğrencileri için de önemli
bir bilgi kaynağı olacak niteliktedir.
... The impact of various types of environmental enrichment on cats has already been the subject of many studies. So far, among other things, it has been described that hiding enrichment reduces behavioral stress in shelters [33][34][35]. Enrichment, such as visual stimulation, may have some enriching potential for domestic cats in shelters [36]. However, in a pilot study by Tuozzi et al. [37], cats that could see humans but did not have direct physical contact often vocalized and scratched intensively at the door. ...
Simple Summary
A shelter for homeless animals is a highly stressful place for cats. This study aimed to assess whether enriching the living environment of these cats with additional resources, such as scratching posts and hiding places, would reduce long-term stress. One hundred and seventy-nine cats took part in the study. The research material consisted of hair. Cortisol levels were analyzed. The results confirmed that cats from a more enriched environment had almost half the cortisol level in their hair than those with fewer resources.
Abstract
Enriching cats’ living environment in shelters is crucial in reducing their stress. Easier access to resources allows cats to display natural behavior. This study aimed to assess whether cats staying in an enriched environment would be less stressed than cats staying in a standard environment. The first group consisted of cats living in an environment with fewer resources (standard environment)—103 cats. The second group consisted of cats living in an enriched environment—76 cats. The research material consisted of hair collected to determine the cortisol level. The results indicate that cats from a more enriched environment have almost half the level of cortisol in hair than cats from an environment with fewer resources (0.059 ng/mg vs. 0.101 ng/mg; p = 0.000001).
... According to the videos, cats changed positions (alternating between lying and sitting) and/or repositioned to the back of the carrier when the vehicle started to move or when the road became bumpy ( Figure 5). Hiding is a behavior that is exhibited by stressed cats [25,28], and the 2M2B collared cats remained more toward the front of the carrier. With 2M2B collars, transported cats did not hide in the farther back portion of the carrier, where it was darker and more secluded. ...
Simple Summary
Sixteen cats were used in a model of behavioral and physiological transport stress. Cats were not accustomed to being transported. In an objective evaluation, cats wore a PetPace (PP) collar that recorded carotid pulse rate (PR) and general activity. Video cameras recorded cat behavior during the 70 min transport experience. Cats also wore a plastic collar containing either 2-methyl-2-butenal (2M2B) collars or a placebo collar. This randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study found that cats with a 2M2B collar had a lower PR, slept more, sat less, and self-groomed more compared with cats wearing a placebo collar. Control cats hid near the back of the transport kennel, and some vomited or had excessive salivation, whereas cats with 2M2B collars did not hide, vomit, or salivate. This controlled study demonstrates behavioral and physiological benefits to transported cats from the use of 2M2B collars.
Abstract
Some cats experience stress when they have novel experiences, such as infrequent transport. This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study that sought to objectively evaluate the effects of a 2M2B collar on transported cat physiology and behavior. The statistical model included effects of cat treatment (2M2B vs. control), period (70 min), sex, and interactions. Cats wearing 2M2B collars had an 8% lower PR (p < 0.01), and they slept more and did not hide at the back of the kennel. While control cats vomited or showed excess salivation, cats with 2M2B collars did not show these signs of stress. Male cats were less active during transport than females. Male cats slept more with 2M2B collars compared with male cats with a control collar, but females showed similar sleeping overall regardless of which collar they wore. Female cats increased activity during transport when they had a 2M2B collar, while male activity did not differ with control or 2M2B collars. These data support the concept that the semiochemical 2M2B can reduce stress in transported cats based on objective physiological and behavioral measures.
... The reduction shown by the control treatment over the weeks may have been facilitated by the cardboard box provided to all cats in their cages. This is consistent with prior research that showed a CSS decrease (Kry and Casey, 2007;Vinke et al., 2014) and a general positive impact on cat welfare (Houser and Vitale, 2022) when boxes were provided. However, the greater CSS decrease presented by the enriched treatment in weeks 5-7 indicates that enrichment sessions can be a useful tool to reduce stress in cats housed in cages and under medical treatment for periods over a month. ...
... For example, providing more human interaction has shown to decrease stress levels in sheltered dogs [37][38][39] . Providing a quiet and comfortable resting and hiding place may also support these dogs in adapting, as shown in sheltered cats, where hiding boxes reduced acute stress at least 4 days earlier than cats without hiding opportunities 40,41 . Furthermore, these results highlight the relevance of considering alternative options to rehome dogs. ...
Dogs in shelters are faced with the challenge of adapting to a kennel after relinquishment and to a novel home after adoption. To measure adaptability of dogs, more feasible behavioural and physiological parameters need to be validated in different contexts. To evaluate nocturnal activity as an indicator of adaptability, we compared nocturnal activity, urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio (UCCR), and body weight changes of sheltered dogs the first period after intake in the shelter and after adoption. Nocturnal activity and UCCRs were significantly lower the first days after adoption than in the shelter. After adoption, nocturnal activity was significantly lower on night 2 than night 1, but not on night 3 and 4, suggesting a form of rebound of resting’ during night 2 in the new home. UCCRs significantly decreased 7 days after adoption. Body weight decreased in the shelter but increased again after adoption. These findings suggest that overall, dogs rest better in a novel home than in a novel shelter but, in both contexts, some form of adaptation takes place. Nocturnal activity measured by an accelerometer differentiated well between shelter and home environments, and corresponded to UCCR responses, which supports usefulness of the method to monitor canine adaptability to novel environments.
... Moreover, environmental enrichment is fundamental for the welfare of shelter animals (17). For example, even providing cats with simple cardboard boxes as hiding places reduces their stress level (19). ...
Hair cortisol analysis is a helpful tool for non-invasive measurement of the long-term activity of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. Long-term exposure to stressors affects, among others, animals staying in shelters for homeless animals. The study aimed to assess the hair cortisol level in cats from 8 different shelters. Hair grows on average about 1 cm per month. Therefore, it was concluded that the cortisol level in the hair closer than 1 cm to the skin reflected the cortisol level in cats during their stay in the shelter (A period). In contrast, the cortisol level in the rest of the hair corresponded to the cortisol level preceding the cat’s admission to the shelter (B period). Hair cortisol levels in the cats were higher before they arrived at the shelter than during their stay. Hair cortisol levels in the period before the shelter were higher in females than they were in males. On the other hand, during the stay at the shelter, the opposite was true: the cortisol level in females was lower than in males.
... Hiding options, especially when a cat feels physically and/or emotionally compromised (eg, as a result of illness and fear-anxiety), as is common in these patients, increase the cat's coping ability. [69][70][71][72] Good options are those with sides that are high enough for cats to feel hidden, such as high-sided or igloo cat beds, a carrier, or a box that is only big enough for one cat ( Figure 7). Cats often readily use carriers with soft bedding that are left open and placed in favored areas. ...
The ‘2023 AAFP/IAAHPC Feline Hospice and Palliative Care Guidelines’ are authored by a Task Force of experts in feline hospice and palliative care convened by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care. They emphasize the specialized communication skills and ethical considerations that are associated with feline hospice and palliative care, with references to other feline practice guidelines for a more complete discussion of specific diseases, feline pain management best practices and cat friendly interactions. A comprehensive, multi-step hospice consultation allows for tailoring the approach to both the cat and the family involved in the care. The consultation includes establishing ‘budgets of care’, a concept that greatly influences what can be done for the individual cat. The Guidelines acknowledge that each cat and caregiver will be different in this regard; and establishing what is reasonable, practical and ethical for the individual cat and caregiver is important. A further concept of the ‘care unit’ is introduced, which is extrapolated from human hospice and palliative care, and encourages and empowers the caregiver to become a part of the cat’s care every step of the way. Ethical considerations include a decision-making framework. The importance of comfort care is emphasized, and the latest information available about how to assess the quality of a cat’s life is reviewed. Emotional health is as equally important as physical health. Hence, it is fundamental to recognize that compromised physical health, with pain and/or illness, impairs emotional health. A limited discussion on euthanasia is included, referring to the AAFP’s End of Life Educational Toolkit for recommendations to help the caregiver and the veterinary professional ensure a peaceful passing and transition - one that reflects the best interests of the individual cat and caregiver.
... Since cats may sleep on various surfaces and areas throughout the home, the following examples were provided: cat beds, owners' bed, furniture, and cat trees or hammocks. Perching and hiding areas were not included in the questionnaire, despite their importance for cat welfare (5,7,50). Since different areas in the home may be used for perching (example: cat tree or shelves) and hiding (ex. ...
Most research examining cat behavior in multi-cat households lacks focus on one group size. This gap in knowledge reduces generalizability of research findings to specific compositions of cats in multi-cat households. Given that many cat-owning households in Canada and the US are comprised of two cats, the following study used a cross-sectional survey to explore cat owners' perceptions of the cat-cat relationship in two-cat households in Canada and the US. A total of 6,529 owners of two cats completed the online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and a logistic regression model used to assess various explanatory variables (i.e., household, management, and cat-specific factors) associated with participants perceiving their cats' relationship as negative. The logistic regression model showed that owners of two-cat households are more likely to perceive their cats' relationship as negative if both cats are spayed females, adult or mature, have a large gap in age, not related, one or both have access to the outdoors, or show aggression toward people or other animals in the home. Having multiple litterbox and feeding areas were also associated with a more negative cat-cat relationship. Overall, the complex interplay, directionality, and temporality of these factors requires further investigation for a full understanding of how to improve the cat-cat relationship in two-cat households. More research is needed to provide evidence-based recommendations for managing and supporting a positive cat-cat relationship in the home.
... The addition of a box for hiding in was found to reduce stress in shelter cats, compared to cats not provided boxes. 54 Most cats like to have an escape route available when they feel stressed, and to be able to social distance on occasion (away from other household cats, dogs, small children, or unfamiliar human visitors). Provide a way for the cat to retreat to his safe space when he needs a break. ...
... Carrier boxes are important not only for the ease of transport of cats but also of small dogs. In addition, a study in the Netherlands on cats housed in animal shelters found that having a box where they could hide was responsible for reducing cat stress, at least in the short term [55]. Similarly, regarding leashes, collars, and tags, 23.8% respondents attributed high importance to these items. ...
Introduction: A bioterrorist attack is the intentional release of pathogenic micro-organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, or their toxins, with the aim of causing illness or death in people, animals, or plants. In this study, we investigated the knowledge and practices related to bioterrorism preparedness in Central Portugal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed with a convenience sample in the population of Aveiro, Central Portugal, to assess their knowledge about bioterrorism, self-perceived preparation to act in case of bioterrorism and pet owners’ preparation. An online validated questionnaire was completed by 198 participants from January to February 2020. Results: In this study, 46.0% of the respondents answered that they knew nothing about bioterrorism or had never heard about the possibility of bioterrorist attacks. In the case of an attack, 77.8% participants did not consider themselves prepared to act, and 62.1% did not know how to use personal protective equipment. More than half of the respondents (60.6%) were not familiar with the local emergency response system in response to catastrophes/bioterrorist attacks. Almost all respondents (95.6%) assigned high importance to drinking water and food for pets, but only 22.9% of respondents attributed high importance to pet carrier boxes, an item essential for cat evacuation. Conclusion: This is the first survey of this kind in Portugal concerning bioterrorism preparedness in citizens and animals. Results suggest that Portuguese knowledge is limited, and people have inadequate preparedness for a bioterrorist attack. These results reinforce the importance of further studies to better understand the existing gaps in knowledge of Portuguese citizens, strengthen the need to adopt the One Health concept in preparedness plans and emphasize the crucial role of health education in prevention.
... Latency of leaving the box is often used to assess aversive experiences and long latencies are associated with fear and acute stress [39]. Cats were reported to have spent most of their time in their hiding box during the first two weeks after being housed in a novel environment [40], and shelter cats spent 55% of the time in the hiding box in a novel environment [41]. Thus, similarly to observations in different contexts (e.g., [40,42], we found that novel situations are very stressful for cats, which leads to inactivity and the inhibition of behaviours such as exploration, feeding, or play. ...
Simple Summary
Comparative studies can help us better understand our family pets’ social and cognitive behaviours and gain more insights in the evolution of some human abilities. However, the comparison of the behaviours of cats and dogs in a standard laboratory environment is not without challenges. Though recently they play a similar role in modern Western societies as pets, both their evolutionary history and individual experiences are different. We tested the spontaneous behaviour of companion cats and dogs in the same novel laboratory environment, and if needed, we tried to habituate them in the presence of their owners and an unfamiliar experimenter. To pass the habituation test, subjects were expected to play with the experimenter or accept food from them. All dogs passed the test on the first occasion, while almost 60% of the cats needed habituation and some could not reach the criteria even after three habituation sessions. More experienced cats (which had the opportunity to meet strangers and explore unfamiliar places) were not more successful, in fact, younger cats passed more easily. We found marked differences between dogs and cats in all behavioural variables; compared to dogs, cats spent more time crouching and close to their box, while less time exploring or close to the owner. Our findings are important not only regarding the test methods of cats and the interpretation of their data collected in the laboratory so far but, in a more general sense, on developing future comparative experiments.
Abstract
Research on the socio-cognitive skills of different species often benefit from comparative experiments, however, the ecology of the species and development of the individuals may differently determine how they react to the same test situation. In this study, our aims were twofold: to observe and compare the spontaneous behaviour of companion cats and dogs in the same novel environment, and to habituate them (if needed) to the novel environment in the presence of their owners and an unfamiliar experimenter. The behaviour of 62 family cats, 31 experienced (which had the opportunity to meet strangers and explore unfamiliar places) and 31 inexperienced cats, and 27 family dogs was compared in an unfamiliar room. The subjects’ behaviour was coded during the first five minutes in the presence of two passive persons, their owners, and an unfamiliar experimenter. Then, based on a set of rules, first the owner, and then the experimenter tried to initiate interactions with the subjects and the subjects’ willingness to interact was evaluated. To pass the habituation test, subjects were expected to play with the experimenter or accept food from them. All dogs passed the test on the first occasion, while almost 60% of the cats failed. The cats’ experience did not play a significant role, in fact, younger cats passed more easily. We found marked differences between dogs and cats in all behavioural variables; compared to dogs, cats spent more time crouching and close to their box, while less time exploring or close to the owner. We did not find a difference in the cats’ behaviour based on their experience. Our results support the hypothesis that unlike dogs, cats need extensive habituation in a novel environment. This could partially be explained by the difference in the ecology and/or domestication process of the species, although developmental effects cannot be excluded. Our findings have fundamental consequences not only for the considerations of the testability of cats and on the interpretation of their data collected in the laboratory, but in a more general sense on developing comparative experiments.
... Hiding is common in a novel or stressful situation, increasing the cat's ability to cope. [30][31][32][33] The preferred location in the practice is often the bottom half of their carrier or other safe, contained area (eg, high-sided cat bed, small pet weighing scales with higher sides, or under towels or blankets; Figure 1). Confident < Improved feline wellbeing during visits and more broadly, due to improved care < Better human safety 19,20 < Improved feline responses during future visits < Increased efficiency, with shorter examination times and fewer team members involved 7 ...
Practical relevance
The ‘2022 AAFP/ISFM Cat Friendly Veterinary Interaction Guidelines: Approach and Handling Techniques’ (hereafter the ‘Cat Friendly Veterinary Interaction Guidelines’) support veterinary professionals with feline interactions and handling to reduce the impact of fear and other protective (negative) emotions, in so doing enhancing feline welfare and In implementing these Guidelines, team satisfaction and cat caregiver confidence in the veterinary team will increase as the result of efficient examinations, better experience, more reliable diagnostic testing and improved feline wellbeing. Veterinary professionals will learn the importance of understanding and appropriately responding to the current emotional state of the cat and tailoring each visit to the individual.
Clinical challenges
Cats have evolved with emotions and behaviors that are necessary for their survival as both a predator and prey species. A clinical setting and the required examinations and procedures to meet their physical health needs can result in behavioral responses to protective emotions. Cat friendly interactions require understanding, interpreting and appropriately responding to cats’ emotional states and giving them a perceived sense of control while performing the required assessment.
Evidence base
These Guidelines have been created by a Task Force of experts convened by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine, based on an extensive literature review and, where evidence is lacking, the authors’ experience.
Endorsements
These Guidelines have been endorsed by a number of groups and organizations, as detailed on page 1127 and at catvets.com/interactions and icatcare.org/cat-friendly-guidelines .
... Cats tend to display stress-related behaviours in novel environments including, for example, a lack of exploration, freezing or crawling (see e.g. [60][61][62]). Thus, prior to the experiment, on a separate occasion, we habituated them to the test room. ...
Self-propelled motion cues elicit the perception of inanimate objects as animate. Studies usually rely on the looking behaviour of subjects towards stimuli displayed on a screen, but utilizing artificial unidentified moving objects (UMOs) provides a more natural, interactive context. Here, we investigated whether cats and dogs discriminate between UMOs showing animate vs inanimate motion, and how they react to the UMOs’ interactive behaviour. Subjects first observed, in turn, the motion of an animate and an inanimate UMO, and then they could move freely for 2 min while both UMOs were present (two-way choice phase). In the following specific motion phase, the animate UMO showed one of three interactive behaviours: pushing a ball, a luring motion, or moving towards the subject (between-subject design). Then, subjects could move freely for 2 min again while the UMO was motionless. At the end, subjects were free to move in the room while the UMO was moving semi-randomly in the room. We found that dogs approached and touched the UMO(s) sooner and more frequently than cats, regardless of the context. In the two-way choice phase, dogs looked at the animate UMO more often, and both species touched the animate UMO more frequently. However, whether the UMO showed playing, luring or assertive behaviour did not influence subjects’ behaviour. In summary, both species displayed distinctive behaviour towards the animate UMO, but in dogs, in addition to the physical contact this was also reflected by the looking behaviour. Overall, dogs were more keen to explore and interact with the UMO than cats, which might be due to the general increased stress of cats in novel environments. The findings indicate the importance of measuring multiple behaviours when assessing responses to animacy. The live demonstration using artificial agents provides a unique opportunity to study social perception in nonhuman species.
... An intrinsic part of the biology of a cat is the hiding behavior. The results were similar to a previous study that found that cats provided with a hiding box were able to rapidly reduce CSS in cats with a new shelter environment [37]. ...
Background and aim:
In Thailand, domestic cats are the most common companion animal, and many are admitted to veterinary clinics for neutering surgery; however, such environment can induce stress. This is the first study to evaluate stress in hospitalized cats after neutering surgery using cat stress score (CSS) and salivary cortisol levels, including the impact of providing a hiding box (B) and/or administering a pheromone product to reduce stress.
Materials and methods:
The study design was based on a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 80 domestic cats undergoing routine neutering surgery were assessed for their behavioral demeanor scoring system (DSS) as friendly (DSS1) and aggressive (DSS2) based on a DSS. During admission, the cats were randomly allocated to single standard cages with one of the following treatments: (B), feline facial pheromone (P), a combination of hiding box and the pheromone (BP), or no additional enrichment (C). Cat stress score, food intake, and hide-seeking behavior were recorded. The cortisol enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to assess the salivary cortisol level.
Results:
On the 1st day of admission, aggressive cats had a significantly higher CSS (4.16 ± 0.29) than friendly cats (3.27 ± 0.16). Both demeanor cat groups showed statistically significant reductions in stress levels earlier than the control group after providing the enrichments. Saliva cortisol measurements ranged from 0.24 to 0.66 ng/mL. No statistical differences in cortisol levels were observed between the 1st day and other days of admission. In contrast, no differences in food intake and hide-seeking behavior were seen within each group during the same period.
Conclusion:
Results suggested that stress and stress responses in cats depended on behavioral demeanor. The provision of enrichment, including hiding box and feline facial pheromone in singly housed caging reduced stress, especially in aggressive cats. However, salivary cortisol analysis, food intake, and hide-seeking behavior were ineffective for assessing stress in cats after neutering surgery.
... This duration was largely based on Kessler and Turner's findings that there were no significant changes in daily average stress scores after day 5. 16 Other authors have reported a steep decline in behavioral signs of stress immediately following intake, which stabilize in a similar time period. [20][21][22][23][24] The ideal duration of the habituation process for cats from a hoarding environment has not been evaluated. Many factors can influence the amount of time that may be required for cats to reach a baseline stress level. ...
Objectives
The aim of this study was to analyze the behavioral characteristics and success of adoption for previously hoarded cats.
Methods
Shelter records and post-adoption surveys were analyzed for hoarded cats ⩾6 months old at intake. A non-standard scoring system was used. Intake scores were allocated contemporaneously and socialization scores were applied retrospectively for three time points (TPs): 5–10 days post-intake (shelter TP), ⩽1 week post-adoption (home TP1) and >1 week post-adoption (home TP2). Adoption returns were compared between hoarded and non-hoarded cats.
Results
The study included 195 hoarded cats, of which 174 were adopted. Of 164 cats with intake scores, 86 (52%) were scored as ‘friendly’ at intake. Forty-five cats had socialization scores for all of the TPs, and of these, the percentages of ‘supersocial’ or ‘social’ decreased from 87% at the shelter TP to 47% at home TP1, then increased to 84% at home TP2. Most cats that scored as ‘tense’ at intake had supersocial or social scores at home TP2. Nine of the 88 cats with survey results had out-of-box (OOB) elimination in either the shelter or home but only 1/88 in both. Adopters expressed positive feelings for 42/43 cats for which feelings-based language was used in their survey responses. Notable behaviors, such as neediness, were recorded for 48/88 cats. Relationships with other household pets were typically positive. Eighteen of 174 hoarded (10%) and 188/2662 non-hoarded (7.1%) cats were returned post-adoption. Of these, six hoarded and 87 non-hoarded returns included behavioral reasons. There were no significant differences between hoarded and non-hoarded cats for total or behavioral returns.
Conclusions and relevance
Hoarded cats had high adoption rates, high adopter satisfaction and the potential for good emotional well-being in adoptive homes. Behavior at intake and OOB elimination in the shelter may not reflect post-adoption behavior. Behavior-based outcome decisions for these vulnerable animals should be deferred to allow time for habituation.
... Esta escala cuantifica el grado de discomfort en condiciones comúnmente estresantes para felinos, en particular el confinamiento en refugios, su interacción con perros o las visitas al hospital. 57,58 Los resultados obtenidos han mostrado niveles de estrés y patrones de conductas negativas que se reducen con el tiempo, con la hora del día (mayor en la mañana y menor durante la tarde), y con la interacción de los animales con objetos que les permitan mostrar comportamientos propios de la especie para autorregular su bienestar. 59,60 De igual manera, CSS ha sido aplicado dentro de un ambiente clínico para el estudio de diferentes métodos para minimizar el estrés en gatos. ...
... A number of previous studies have documented the link between stress and the placement of a cat in a shelter (e.g., Stella et al., 2011 ;Tanaka et al., 2012 ;Vinke et al., 2014 ). One of the ways to detect an ongoing stress response is to determine the level of specific substances that are present in the body as a result of disturbing the balance of the internal environment. ...
This study was conducted for the purpose of long-term monitoring of changes in the sociability of group-housed cats towards a familiar caregiver in a private no-kill shelter. The sociability of the monitored cat population was assessed at two-week intervals during one calendar year. A total of 158 animals were rated on a 5-point scale, the individual levels of which represented the level of sociability (1-very friendly cat to 5-very unfriendly cat). The evaluation was performed by visual observation of the cats' response to human approach and contact by one observer. At the first assessment, more than three quarters of the cats (81%) showed very friendly (score of 1) or friendly behavior (score of 2). Of the 88 cats that were evaluated at least twice and at the same time their stay in the shelter terminated during the monitoring period, 56 cats (63.6%) did not change their score (worsen or improve) during their stay in the shelter. Among the cats with an observed change, there was a permanently improved score in a significantly higher number of cats (P < 0.001) during the stay in the shelter than a permanent deterioration (26; 29.5% and 3; 3.4%, respectively). There was a temporary improvement or worsening of the score in 3 cats (3.4%). The improvement in the sociability score during the stay in the shelter mainly concerned cats whose behavior was rated as neutral (score of 3), unfriendly (score of 4) or very unfriendly (score of 5) at the first evaluation. The length of stay of cats in the shelter (LOS) correlated with the level of sociability of the cats during the first (rtau = 0.72, P < 0.001) and the last evaluation (rtau = 0.23, P = 0.007); however, the LOS itself did not predict the level of sociability (P > 0.05). The sociability level at the first assessment was found to be a predictor of the sociability level at the last assessment (P < 0.001). The results of our study suggest that during the stay in the shelter, the cats generally improve their sociability towards a familiar person. Although it appears that cats with lower levels of sociability remain in the shelter for a longer period of time, improvements may increase their adoption potential. Support for programs to increase the cat sociability is needed and should be addressed in further research.
... Time spent in burrows can be used by animals as a method of coping with stress as they provide small, secure spaces where an animal can rest; studies have demonstrated that this type of behaviour is used by some mammals (e.g. felids that use sheltered spaces (Vinke et al. 2014)) as well as reptiles (e.g. tuatara (Corkery et al. 2014)). ...
Many zoos provide the opportunity for visitors to interact with ambassador animals in their collections, but little is known about how these interactions impact on the animals themselves. The current study was the first to examine the effect of visitor interactions on the reptile species, tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). This pilot project also developed the first complete ethogram describing tuatara behaviour (a permanent research resource). The ethogram was customised for individually housed tuatara. We used the ethogram to describe behaviour of three tuatara before (8:30–10:30), during (10:30–11:30) and after (11:30–15:30) visitor contact sessions (where visitors could interact with a tuatara and handler in a controlled environment), and on control days (at the same times but with no visitor contact). Tuatara demonstrated increased time out of sight or time inactive following visitor contact (compared to days with no visitor contact). The current study provides insight into individual variation between animals that participate in visitor contact sessions and can inform how zoos approach ambassador-animal programmes to support animal welfare.
... Complete resolution of FCDs is uncommon, although treatments (including medications) are often used to decrease the frequency or severity of the behavior, thereby increasing quality of life of the effected animal [10,11]. Providing environmental enrichment is another important component of treatment, designed to decrease stress and the risk for developing stress-related behavior problems [1,6,12,13]. A common recommendation for enrichment involves interactive play with toys. ...
Simple Summary
Use of laser light pointers for feline play is popular with many cat guardians. It can be an enjoyable shared interaction and provide an easy way to encourage cats to exercise. Laser light play alone, however, does not allow cats to complete the hunting sequence; cats cannot ‘catch’ the prey. It has been suggested that this might trigger frustration and stress, both of which can contribute to compulsive behaviors. This study examined the potential relationship between the use of laser light pointers for play and the occurrence of excessive or abnormal repetitive behaviors (ARBs) often linked to diagnosis of feline compulsive disorders. Using an online, anonymous survey, we explored cat guardians’ use of laser light toys (e.g., reasons for and frequency of use) and reported ARBs. A total of 618 responses, primarily female participants from the United States, were analyzed. Nearly half (45.5%) of the respondents in our study reported using laser light toys to play with their cats, although frequency of use was low for many survey respondents. Although the statement “Laser pointers can make cats frustrated if they do not get to ‘catch’ something at the end of play” was familiar to over half of respondents (52.1%), only 35.6% of respondents reported following this advice. We found significant associations between the frequency of laser light play and the occurrence of all surveyed ARBs, apart from overgrooming. Overall, the more frequently LLP toys were used, the more likely guardians were to report ARBs in their cats. Provision of outdoor access and cat age were also significant predictors of reported ARBs: indoor-only cats, and young (1–2 years) cats were more likely to display ARBs. The strongest associations were seen for behaviors which may be connected to laser light play: chasing lights or shadows, staring “obsessively” at lights or reflections, and fixating on a specific toy. These results, although correlational, suggest that laser light toys may be associated with the development of compulsive behaviors in cats, warranting further research into their use and potential risks.
Abstract
Use of laser light pointers for feline play is popular with many companion cat guardians. It can be an enjoyable shared interaction and provide an opportunity for feline exercise. Laser light play alone, however, does not allow cats to complete the hunting sequence and it has been suggested that this may trigger frustration and stress, common contributors to compulsive behaviors. This study examined the potential relationship between the use of laser light pointers for play and excessive or abnormal repetitive behaviors (ARBs) often linked to diagnosis of feline compulsive disorders. Using an online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey, we explored cat guardians’ use of laser toys and reported ARBs in their cats. A total of 618 responses were analyzed, primarily female participants from the United States. We found significant associations between the frequency of laser light play and the occurrence of all surveyed ARBs, apart from overgrooming. Provision of outdoor access and cat age were also significant predictors of reported ARBs: indoor-only cats, and young (1–2 years) cats were more likely to display ARBs. The strongest patterns were seen for behaviors which may be connected to laser light play: chasing lights or shadows, staring “obsessively” at lights or reflections, and fixating on a specific toy. Although correlational, these results suggest that laser light toys may be associated with the development of compulsive behaviors in cats, warranting further research into their use and potential risks.
... The cat stress score is a well-known observational assessment scale for evaluating the stress status in cats (10). Several studies on shelter cats used this assessment scale (11,12); however, these studies have focused on the welfare of the cats, and not their relationship with humans. ...
Research to assess the relationship between cats and humans is in a nascent stage. Some studies have assessed the stress status in cats using physiological indicators, such as the cortisol hormone, but have not focused on the social interaction with humans. Moreover, the role of oxytocin secretion in the relationship between cats and humans remains unclear. In this study, we determined the possibility of quantifying the urinary concentration of oxytocin in cats and assessed the effects of social contact with humans on the levels of urinary oxytocin and cortisol metabolite. Four cats were subjected to two conditions, namely, social (control), and non-social (no social contact with humans) conditions. The levels of cortisol and oxytocin metabolite in urine samples from the cats in both conditions were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The urinary concentrations of cortisol and oxytocin under the non-social condition were significantly higher than those under the social condition. In addition, the concentration of oxytocin significantly correlated with that of cortisol in cats under the non-social condition. In this study, it was possible to quantify the concentration of oxytocin in the urine of cats, and the obtained results suggest that cats recognize the social interaction with humans as important. This information might contribute to the establishment of an assessment method for the welfare of cats and might help in clarifying the relationship between cats and humans.
... Conversely, some adopters do not want black cats (Kogan et al. 2013;Jones & Hart 2020), or prefer owner-surrendered cats to stray cats (Dybdall & Strasser 2014), or may just want the cat that blinked with them (Humphrey et al. 2020). Furthermore, there are ways to minimize stress and help cats be more active, which positively influences adoption (Kry & Kasey 2007;Moore & Bain 2013;Vinke 2014;Zito et al. 2015). Importantly, these studies have little to do with behavior assessments and whatever inferences people draw from them. ...
Animal shelters face diverse challenges, which often necessitate making life-or-death decisions for animals in their care. One strategy used to determine whether admitting, adoption, or euthanasia is appropriate is to assess an animal’s in-shelter or pre-admission behavior to infer its “personality.” Shelters do this because potential adopters are often interested in knowing an animal’s personality as it provides information about whether the animal will fit in their home. However, shelter behavior assessments are a broad topic. To narrow focus, I explore a relatively novel development: feline behavior assessments. These assessments suggest that shelter workers can make a valid inference from in-shelter behavior to long-term, consistent personality. I argue that assessments do not, and might not be able to, validly infer personality in shelters; I utilize recent philosophical work by Kaiser & Müller (Biol Philos 36:1–25, 2021) on personality to do so. I build on their work by showing how shelter assessments do not meet their criteria and fall victim to epistemic bias in privileging some behaviors. Because feline assessments fail to meet philosophically robust definitions of animal personality and have methodological biases, these assessments do not provide valid insight into a shelter animal’s personality and should not be used.
Dans l’espèce féline, face à des lésions cutanées auto-induites, le praticien doit désormais inclure une origine comportementale. Certains signes cliniques et un questionnaire sur le bien-être du chat peuvent permettre d’orienter le diagnostic vers cette cause. La prise en charge nécessite alors une modification importante de l’environnement du chat. Les données scientifiques en éthologie doivent orienter cette thérapie pour un bien-être préservé et une guérison définitive.
Shelter cats often experience considerable stressors, such as confinement and unfamiliar surroundings, leading to welfare challenges. Evaluating and enhancing their well-being is crucial, and measuring cortisol levels in cats’ nails offers a minimally invasive method for assessing stress and welfare. This study compared nail cortisol concentrations (NCCs) between owned cats (OC), and shelter cats in favorable conditions (FS) and unfavorable conditions (UFS) in Thailand and Vietnam. Nails from 31 OC, 29 FS, and 27 UFS cats were collected twice, approximately 28 days apart, with details of living conditions recorded at the second collection. Nail clippings were processed for NCC measurement using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. NCC levels of UFS cats were significantly higher than those of FS and OC cats in both collections, with no gender-based differences. NCCs positively correlated with dog exposure, and negatively correlated with space allowance, number of litterboxes, free-roaming time, air conditioning, and the presence and variety of enrichment (hiding places, elevated areas, outdoor views, scratching structures, and toys). These findings indicate that improved living conditions positively impact welfare, as indicated by NCCs. Nail cortisol can serve as a minimally invasive method for assessing cat welfare, particularly considering long-term factors, and offers valuable insights into the well-being of cats in various conditions.
Social tension or conflict between household cats is common but, because it often manifests as subtle behavioral changes, it can go unnoticed; it is precisely because most signs are subtle and unrecognized that the term ‘tension’ is used. Where associated tension-related chronic fear-anxiety leads to more overt behavioral concerns and stress-associated disease, cats may face relinquishment by caregivers or even euthanasia if the tension is not relieved. The ‘2024 AAFP intercat tension guidelines: recognition, prevention and management’ have been authored by a Task Force of board-certified veterinary and applied behaviorists and clinical experts in feline medicine and behavior convened by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. The aim is to support veterinary professionals in understanding social behavior between cats and, more specifically, in recognizing intercat tension, preventing or minimizing its occurrence and managing the stressors. In developing the Guidelines, the Task Force has modified the five pillars of a healthy feline environment to provide a framework to assist the prevention or management of intercat tension in households with two or more cats. Because feline social behavior is often misunderstood, the Guidelines debunk 10 common myths that have the potential to negatively impact the wellbeing of companion cats. Extensively illustrated with visual examples of intercat tension and an Appendix detailing a number of case studies, the Guidelines also include a comprehensive table of psychotherapeutic medications, and a detailed algorithm that outlines a systematic approach to preventing, recognizing and resolving intercat tension. A step-by-step approach to introducing a new cat into a household with one or more resident cats is included to further support veterinarians, and a range of management tools to promote client education accompany the Guidelines.
Interstitial cystitis (IC) presents as a chronic pain condition with variable combinations of symptoms depending on the species and individual patient. It is diagnosed by the presence of lower urinary tract signs and symptoms in combination with a variety of comorbid health problems, a history of life adversities, and the absence of other conditions that could cause the lower urinary tract signs. IC occurs naturally in humans and cats as a dimensional condition, with patients presenting with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. Most patients appear to recover without specific treatment. A number of rodent models of IC have been used to study its causes and treatments. Unfortunately, current therapies generally fail to ameliorate IC symptoms long-term. The recent classification of IC as a chronic primary pain disorder calls for a rethinking of current clinical and research approaches to it. Beginning when a patient encounters a clinician, precipitating, perpetuating, and palliating risk factors can be addressed until a cause or reliably effective therapy is identified, and identifying predisposing and preventive factors can inform epidemiological studies and health promotion interventions. Predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating risk factors, including environmental, psychological, and biological, increase the activity of the central threat response system (CTRS), which plays a clinically important role in IC symptoms. Studies in cats and rodent models have revealed that environmental enrichment (EE), in the absence of bladder-directed therapies, leads to amelioration of IC symptoms, implying a central role for the CTRS in symptom precipitation and perpetuation. Conceptually moving the source of IC pain to the brain as a motivational state rather than one resulting from peripheral nociceptive input offers both clinicians and researchers novel opportunities to improve care for patients with IC and for researchers to use more ecologically valid rodent models. It may even be that IC results from an excess of risk to protective factors, making this imbalance a targetable cause rather than a consequence of IC.
In natural settings, newborn calves hide for several days before joining the herd. It is unclear whether dairy calves housed indoors would show similar hiding behaviour. This study aimed to describe the use of an artificial hide provided to calves during temporary separation from the dam and assess the effect it has on lying and sleep-like behaviour, as well as heart rate variability (HRV). Twenty-eight cow-calf pairs were randomly assigned to having a hide (n = 14), or no hide (n = 14). Hide use (n = 14), as well as lying and sleep-like behaviour (n = 28), were recorded continuously via video camera during the first hour after the dam was removed for morning milking on day three to seven. Heart rate and R-R intervals were recorded using Polar equine monitors for a subsample of 12 calves (n = 6 per treatment) on day six. Descriptive statistics were calculated for hide use. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were used to evaluate whether having a hide affected lying and sleep-like behaviours as well as HRV. Hide use decreased over days and was highly variable between calves. Lying behaviour did not differ between treatments. Duration of sleep-like behaviour was higher for calves without a hide compared to those with a hide. Calves with a hide tended to show signs of higher HRV and parasympathetic activity compared to calves without a hide. Results suggest that providing a hiding space to young calves may be beneficial during periods when the cow is removed from the pen for milking.
Practical relevance
The ‘2022 ISFM/AAFP Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines’ (hereafter the ‘Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines’) describe how the veterinary clinic environment can be manipulated to minimise feline patient distress. Many components of a veterinary clinic visit or stay may result in negative experiences for cats. However, much can be done to improve a cat’s experience by making the veterinary clinic more cat friendly. Exposure to other cats and other species can be reduced, and adjustments made with consideration of the feline senses and species-specific behaviour. Caregivers can prepare cats for a clinic visit with appropriate advice. Waiting rooms, examination rooms, hospital wards and other clinic areas can be designed and altered to reduce stress and hence encourage positive emotions. Changes need not be structural or expensive in order to be effective and make a difference to the cats and, in turn, to cat caregivers and the veterinary team. Moreover, by improving the all-round experience at the veterinary clinic, there are positive effects on preventive healthcare, identification of and recovery from illness, and compliance with treatment.
Clinical challenges
Good feline healthcare necessitates visiting the veterinary clinic, which, simply by being outside of a cat’s territory and familiar surroundings, may lead to negative experiences. Such experiences can trigger negative (protective) emotions and associated physiological stress, which can result in misleading clinical findings, patient distress, prolonged recovery from illness, further difficulties with handling at subsequent visits and potential veterinary personnel injury. There may be a mistaken belief that veterinary clinics must undergo significant renovation or building work to become cat friendly, and that, if species cannot be separated, then clinics cannot improve their care of cats. These Guidelines aim to dispel any such misconceptions and provide detailed practical advice.
Evidence base
These Guidelines have been created by a Task Force of experts convened by the International Society of Feline Medicine and American Association of Feline Practitioners, based on an extensive literature review and, where evidence is lacking, the authors’ experience. Endorsements: These Guidelines have been endorsed by a number of groups and organisations, as detailed on page 1161 and at icatcare.org/cat-friendly-guidelines and catvets.com/environment .
The shelter is a stressful environment for cats due to numerous factors that affect their overall welfare. Shelters must take steps to address and reduce stress. Particularly for cats that are withdrawn and exhibit signs of fear, anxiety, stress, or aggression, training and behavior modification can be a useful adjunct to environmental enrichment. This chapter describes training techniques and behavior modification exercises to address the more commonly encountered behavior problems cats exhibit in the shelter environment, focused on reducing stress and improving welfare.
Behavior assessments are an essential part of ensuring shelters provide appropriate care for the cats in their custody. They can identify a propensity for unwanted behaviors, match cats with appropriate adopters, and help to monitor their well‐being while in shelter. A well‐designed behavior assessment program should be holistic, taking advantage of all feasible frameworks for collecting information, including structured behavioral tests, scan samples of behaviors and behavioral indicators, ad libitum behavioral observations, trait ratings, and qualitative behavior histories. As shelter populations change, behavioral interventions and management may play a larger role in animal shelters. A carefully designed behavior assessment program may be crucial in successfully navigating this transition. This chapter will help shelters navigate the literature regarding the purposes and frameworks for conducting behavior assessments and will provide guidance in how to structure a behavior assessment program for use with shelter cats.
Separation from what is familiar coupled with exposure to an unfamiliar environment makes shelters particularly stressful for cats. Environmental enrichment can improve a cat's perception of their environment, resulting in a reduced stress response and improved well‐being. Careful consideration of how to employ enrichment effectively and efficiently is key to the success of any enrichment program. A standard program of enrichment should be provided for all cats, while a more diverse range of enrichment opportunities may be prioritized to meet the needs of individuals expressing certain behaviors or health concerns or that have longer projected lengths of stay. It is also key to assess the impact of enrichment efforts so as to continually optimize the quality of the program overall and its impact on the well‐being of each individual. Placing as many appropriate cats in foster homes as possible is likely to be the most effective enrichment strategy.
Safety and sanitation concerns in animal sheltering can interfere with the ability to provide optimal welfare and well‐being for cats. Because of the unique biology of cats, sheltering additionally presents a number of potential stressors that can adversely affect feline welfare, including unfamiliar people, altered routines, inconsistent husbandry, and the disruption of social bonds. The greatest stressor is the inability to control or escape from confinement. Appropriately designed feline housing is a critical tool and starting point in reducing the stress experienced by shelter cats and ensuring their medical and behavioral health. The quantity and quality of housing spaces should be enriched, functionally complex settings that allow for cats to not only cope with their environment but to encourage them to engage in a wide range of normal behaviors. Housing that upholds the Five Freedoms as well as the Five Pillars of a Healthy Feline Environment that allow cats to meet their physical and behavioral needs not only enhances feline welfare but also facilitates adoption potential. Shelters should provide a variety of housing and enrichment options to help each cat acclimate to the sheltering environment in their own way.
Over the last 150 years, animal sheltering has evolved from its origins as a public health and safety industry to one that also highly prioritizes animal health and welfare. Animal welfare science has also expanded during this time and provides objective, evidence‐based approaches to the assessment of animals’ experiences both in and outside of the shelter setting, as well as means by which to guide quality of life judgments made by animal caretakers. Many questions around animal welfare and quality of life inherently involve ethical determinations. A variety of ethical decision‐making frameworks can be used for these purposes and may carry the benefits of inclusivity, transparency, objectivity, and minimization of moral stress.
Research into cat behavior has gained more attention in recent years. As one of the world’s most popular companion animals, work in this field has potential to have wide-reaching benefits. Cats living in shelters are posed with distinct welfare concerns. Shelter cat welfare can be increased through use of environmental enrichment to promote natural behaviors. This review focuses on relevant literature published to date on shelter cat enrichment. Several key areas of research were identified. These included sensory enrichment, feeding enrichment, physical enrichment, social enrichment, and assessments to determine cat preference for enrichment stimuli. Existing studies have examined the efficacy of enrichment to promote species-specific behaviors and to reduce stress in shelter cats. Studies have also explored housing conditions for shelter cats such as cage size, communal housing, or the general quality of the environment. Applications of this information are discussed in order to promote natural cat behavior and find ways to increase the welfare of shelter cats. A review of the literature highlights the importance of supplying novel items in shelter environments, providing a rotation of individually preferred items, the use of human social interaction as a way to increase interactive behaviors in shelter cats, and the importance of considering potentially aversive impacts of enrichment under certain situations.
This study assessed how sound affected fear- and maintenance-related behaviour in singly housed cats ( Felis silvestris catus ) in an animal shelter. Two daily 30-min observation sessions (morning and evening) were made for 98 cats from admittance for ten days or until the cat was removed. Cat behaviour and presence of sound (classified by the source) were recorded by instantaneous and onezero sampling with 15-s intervals. Each 30-min observation session was classified as 'quiet' or 'noisy' if the one-zero score for presence of sound was above or below the median of sessions at that time of day. To ensure that cats had at least two complete days of comparable observations, statistical analysis was restricted to the 70 cats (30 females, 40 males) present for two or more weekdays. Cats varied widely in the amount of fear and maintenance behaviour they performed. Males showed less fear and maintenance behaviour than females. Morning sessions consistently had much more sound than evenings, and cats showed more fear behaviour and less maintenance behaviour in the mornings. Cats showed more fear behaviour in noisy morning sessions than quiet ones, with no comparable difference in maintenance behaviour. Where sessions included a pronounced transition in sound, fear-related behaviour was more common after a transition from quiet to noisy and less common after a transition from noisy to quiet. The results show that shelter cats vary greatly in their responses and suggest that sound in shelter environments can substantially affect their behaviour. Lowering sound levels in shelters may help improve cat welfare.
Cat ( Felis silvestris catus ) shelter practices may have important implications for cats' health and well-being. This study explored the relationship between husbandry practices and cat health in Hong Kong's shelters which are unregulated. Cat health was measured via body condition score (BCS), coat condition and signs of oculo-nasal discharge. A total of 314 cats in 24 cat shelters were assessed. A satisfactory BCS was associated with regular veterinary input, more than once per day disinfection and more than once per day change of water. The presence of oculo-nasal discharge — as a marker for upper respiratory tract infection — was associated with a lack of regular veterinary input and less frequent change of water within the shelter. A lack of regular feeding was the only factor associated with a dull coat. In summary, this study showed that certain husbandry practices had important associations with different aspects of cats' health for cats housed in an unregulated shelter environment in Hong Kong. These findings provide evidence-based support for husbandry guidelines or regulations for cat shelters which could have a positive impact on shelter cats' health and welfare.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices related to disaster preparedness among pet owners in North Portugal. The present research provides an evaluation of differences among pet owners regarding preparedness in the event of disasters.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 155 pet owners between September and November 2018. Subjects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire with items addressing sociodemographic characteristics and questions related to owners' emergency preparedness and practices.
Results:
In this study, 53.5% of the respondents thought about the possibility of a disaster. Only 21.3% of respondents reported having knowledge on the existence of a disaster kit for pets in case of an emergency. The majority (94.8%) of respondents said they were not aware of the preparedness county-level organization plans. Knowledge and preparedness were found to be significantly higher among dog owners compared with owners of other pet species.
Conclusions:
The results suggest that Portuguese pet owners have inadequate knowledge on how to prepare for inclusion of their pets in a disaster.
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Different test series have been developed and used to measure behaviour in shelter dogs in order to reveal individuals not suitable for re-homing due to their aggressive tendencies. However, behavioural tests previously validated on pet dogs seem to have relatively low predictability in the case of shelter dogs. Here, we investigate the potential effects of (1) timing of the behaviour testing and (2) presence of a human companion on dogs' aggressive behaviour. In Study I, shelter dogs (n=25) showed more aggression when tested in a short test series two weeks after they had been placed in the shelter compared to their responses in the same test performed 1-2 days after arrival. In Study II, the occurrence of aggressive behaviour was more probable in pet dogs (n=50) in the presence than in the absence of their passive owner. We conclude that the sensitivity of aggression tests for shelter dogs can be increased by running the test in the presence of a caretaker, and after some period of acclimatisation to the new environment. This methodology could also provide better chances for successful adoption.
Animals entering a shelter environment may behave differently upon arrival depending upon their previous experiences and life history. To examine this, 86 domestic cats were scored using a seven-level behavioral measure for the first 3 days upon entering an animal shelter. Data were then grouped according to cats surrendered by their owner (OS) or found stray (S). Results indicate that OS cats showed the greatest behavioral measures of stress and arousal compared to S cats. Of the cats that were euthanized due to illness or disease, the mean behavioral stress rating was significantly higher in the OS group versus the S group. Examining archival data from 260 shelter cats that developed an upper respiratory infection (URI), the OS cats became ill significantly sooner than the S cats. These findings suggest that OS cats experience greater behavioral stress after entering a shelter environment, which may subsequently influence their health and well being.
This study investigates the effect of hiding enrichment on stress and behaviour of kennelled cats. Forty-three cats were studied either with a BC SPCA Hide & Perch™ box as enrichment, or with an open bed as control. Observations consisted of Stress Score, approach test and scan sample, recorded daily over the five days following a cat's entrance into the adoption centre, and again on the 14th day if the cat was still present. Days until adoption was noted for cats adopted during the study period. A survey was given to adopters of study cats in an attempt to determine the motivations underlying their choice of cat.
A significant reduction in stress was noted between all study days in the enriched group. Stress levels in this group declined further between the fifth and the 14th day, while those of the control group increased. Cats in the enriched group were significantly more likely to approach and displayed relaxed behaviours much more frequently. No significant difference was found between the two groups in days until adoption, percentage adopted, or in the reasons provided by the new owners in the adoption survey; however temperament was found to be the highest ranked reason for choosing a cat from either group.
Results of this study suggest that the welfare of kennelled cats is greatly improved if they are provided with the opportunity to perform effective hiding behaviour, and that the ability to perform such a behaviour does not decrease the likelihood of those cats being adopted.
As adult cats can often be difficult to re-home, they may spend long periods in rescue shelters where barren housing and inconsis-tent handling can reduce their welfare. In this study, 165 adult cats in an animal shelter in Vancouver, Canada, were assigned to four treatments. The Basic Single treatment reflected typical conditions in that particular shelter, with cats handled in an inconsistent manner by various staff and housed singly in relatively barren cages. Three alternative treatments involved more consistent, positive handling by only the experimenter and research assistants, plus three housing conditions: Enriched Single (individual cages with oppor-tunities to perch and hide), Basic Communal (group housing with opportunity for each cat to have personal space), and Enriched Communal (group housing enriched to encourage play and cat – cat interaction). The Basic Single treatment had the lowest percentage adopted in 21 days (45% versus 69-76% for other treatment, and higher stress scores than other treatments. The three alternative treatments did not differ significantly on any measure. Cats euthanised for poor health showed higher stress levels when alive than other cats. In a questionnaire, most adopters cited certain behavioural/emotional traits ('friendly', 'playful', 'happy') as reasons for selecting cats; these were generally associated with lower stress scores. The results suggest that consistent handling combined with a range of improved housing options can improve the chances of adoption for adult cats, perhaps by reducing fear-related behaviours that make cats less attractive to adopters.
To identify associations among change in body weight, behavioral stress score, food intake score, and development of upper respiratory tract infection (URI) among cats admitted to an animal shelter.
Prospective cohort study. Animals-60 adult cats admitted to an animal shelter.
Body weight was measured on days 0 (intake), 7, 14, and 21. Behavioral stress and food intake were scored daily for the first 7 days; cats were monitored daily for URI.
49 of the 60 (82%) cats lost weight during at least 1 week while in the shelter. Fifteen (25%) cats lost ≥ 10% of their body weight while in the shelter. Thirty-five of the 60 (58%) cats developed URI prior to exiting the shelter, and only 4 cats remained at least 21 days without developing URI. Cats with high stress scores during the first week were 5.6 times as likely to develop URI as were cats with low stress scores. Food intake and stress scores were negatively correlated (r = -0.98).
Results indicated that cats admitted to an animal shelter were likely to lose weight while in the shelter and likely to develop URI, and that cats that had high stress scores were more likely to develop URI.
The welfare of seven domestic cats housed singly in a quarantine cattery was studied for six months. Behavioural data were obtained with cameras and by time-lapse video recording, and cortisol to creatinine ratios were measured in urine samples collected from litter trays. It took five weeks for the cats to show evidence of adaptation to their new environment. They spent most of the first two weeks concealed in a house on the floor of their cage. As they adapted, they spent less time hiding and more time higher in the cage. The cats were inactive for approximately 90 per cent of the time observed, and they received little human contact. Compared with the first day, the cats' cortisol to creatinine ratios were significantly lower from their second month in quarantine.
We tested the hypothesis that during their first week in an animal shelter, cats exhibit groups of behaviours that are connected to mucosal immune and adrenal responses. The behaviour of 34 cats was observed from admission to day 5 and immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) and cortisol were quantified from faeces. A multidimensional model constructed by Principal Component Analysis indicated the presence of three distinct behavioural dimensions. Behaviours forming dimension 1 were hiding, flat postures, freeze, startle, crawl and retreat from humans. These were significantly contrasted (R -0.6 to -0.4) to dimension 3 behaviours which included normal patterns of feeding, grooming, sleeping and locomotion, sitting at the front of the cage while calmly observing activities, sleeping or resting while lying on their side, rubbing on cage items and friendly behaviour towards humans. Dimension 2 behaviours included persistent meowing, scanning, pacing and pushing, together with bouts of destructive behaviour, attempts to escape and redirected aggression. Dimension 2 was not significantly contrasted to dimension 3 (R< -0.4 except for sleep = 0.6) or dimension 1 (R ≤-0.2). S-IgA values were greater (P <0.001) for cats clustered in dimension 3 (mean 7.1 ±0.5 loge μg/g), compared to dimensions 1 and 2 which were not significantly different (1: 5.6 ±0.6; 2: 5.6 ±0.7 loge μg/g). Cortisol values were similar for the three dimensions. Despite the difficulty in generalising the results to the shelter cat population due to small sample size, our findings suggest that behaviour is a good indicator of mucosal immune function in shelter cats. This may be of clinical significance for the management of upper respiratory disease in animal shelters.
Sixteen domestic cats were used to investigate the pituitary-adrenal, pituitary-gonadal and behavioral consequences of an unpredictable handling and husbandry routine. After a 10-day baseline period of standard laboratory procedures, eight cats (‘stressed cats’, STR) were subjected to a 21-day period of altered caretaking characterized by irregular feeding and cleaning times, absence of talking and petting by humans, and daily unpredictable manipulations. Eight control cats (CON group) were maintained for 21 days on the standard caretaking schedule. Behavior was recorded on time-lapse video 24 h day−1, urine was collected daily for cortisol analyses, and hormone stimulation tests with synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) were conducted before and after the 3-week treatment period. Results indicate that the STR cats were chronically stressed by the altered caretaking routine. Urinary cortisol concentrations were consistently elevated throughout the 3-week period, adrenal sensitivity to ACTH was enhanced and pituitary sensitivity to LHRH was reduced. Active exploratory and play behavior was suppressed, and STR cats spent more time awake/alert and attempting to hide. Hiding was negatively correlated with cortisol concentration and, therefore, may be an important behavior for coping with uncontrollable and unpredictable captive environments. These results indicate that qualitatively poor caretaking is a potent psychological stressor for confined cats that may eventually compromise reproduction through behavioral or physiological mechanisms. To promote well-being, caged cats should be provided with appropriate places for concealment.
INFECTIOUS disease can be potentially devastating within a multi‐cat environment if not treated and managed effectively. It is essential that housing facilities are constructed and managed well to minimise both the acquisition and spread of infection. A rapid and accurate assessment needs to be made of cats with, or potentially incubating, disease as well as the number of cats at risk. Following this, a plan to treat and limit the further spread of disease can be instituted. This article describes prevention and management strategies for the most frequently encountered feline infectious diseases within a variety of multi‐cat environments, including veterinary practices, households, rescue shelters and catteries. Further information on antiviral therapies is provided in an accompanying article on pages 454 to 457 of this issue.
For cats, appropriate housing conditions and a quick adjustment to new surroundings should be promoted during temporary stays in animal shelters and boarding catteries. In this study the development of stress in 140 boarding cats during a two-week stay under single-, pairand group-housing conditions in a boarding cattery was investigated and compared with the stress levels of 45 control cats which had been at the animal shelter for several weeks. Signs of stress were recorded by a non-invasive Cat-Stress-Score.
Overall, the levels of stress in boarding cats declined during the two weeks of boarding, with a pronounced decline in the first days, but did not reach the stress levels of the control group by the end of the second week of housing. In the second week, the average stress level of about one third of all boarding cats was rated higher than ‘weakly tense’ with 4 per cent of cats rated even higher than ‘very tense’. Neither housing style (single, paired or grouped) nor age had an influence on stress levels.
It was concluded that about two thirds of the boarding cats adjusted well to the boarding cattery during a two-week stay, while for the other third, temporary boarding was more stressful. For 4 per cent of the animals the two-week stay in a boarding cattery was classified as inappropriate because no reduction of their high stress levels occurred.
Cats living long-term (over one month) in shelters were assessed for behavioural indicators of stress, using a stress scoring method in combination with behavioural observation. It is hypothesised that because of the inappropriate social grouping of unrelated adult cats and group instability, communal housing creates more stress than discrete-unit housing. Seventy-two cats were observed: 36 were housed communally with unfamiliar conspecifics, and 36 were housed in discrete units, either alone or with other previously familiar conspecifics. The mean stress score was greater in communal housing than in discrete-unit housing. Stress scores range from 1 to 7, with 1 indicating no stress experienced, and 7 indicating extreme stress. Individual scores showed that cats in discrete units, in comparison to those in communal housing, gained a significantly higher percentage of observations in the score 2 category, indicating that no stress was being experienced. Cats in communal housing gained a significantly higher percentage in the score 4 category (stressed). Score 5 was found exclusively in communal housing, but only in 2% of instances. Extreme stress was not found in cats housed under either condition. Cats in the different types of housing differed in their frequencies of hiding, play, sleeping/resting in close contact with one another, and agonistic behaviour. There was no difference between housing types in frequency of eating, drinking, grooming, and toilet use. In this study, cats housed communally experienced moderately higher levels of stress than cats housed in discrete units. Further research is recommended to determine the effect on stress levels of longer shelter residence time and of changes in group size and/or density.
Practical relevance:
The clinical application of evidence-based enrichment strategies for the domestic cat housed in a variety of confined environments, ranging from the veterinary cage to the domestic home, is of particular importance - both in relation to providing opportunity for appropriate feline behaviour, and in the prevention and treatment of behavioural and associated health problems (eg, feline lower urinary tract disease associated with negative emotional states such as generalised anxiety). Environmental enrichment has gained particular relevance in the light of current animal welfare legislation. For example, in the UK, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 stipulates that owners/keepers have a duty of care to their animal(s) that includes allowing the animal to exhibit normal behaviour patterns.
Evidence base:
Research into environmental enrichment as a means of improving animal welfare is still very much in its infancy, particularly in relation to the domestic cat. Thus, evidence-based studies are somewhat sparse and more are needed to validate current recommended enrichment practices.
Audience:
This article aims to assist general veterinary practitioners to recognise how cats respond to confinement, and to understand what constitutes environmental enrichment, to help them implement or advise on appropriate enrichment strategies for cats confined in a hospital cage, home environment (particularly an indoor-only home), or cattery or rescue shelter, based on published evidence to date.
The re-excretion of feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) virus (feline herpesvirus I) by FVR-recovered cats is recorded both spontaneously and following a variety of stimuli, namely, corticosteroid administration, change of housing, and parturition and lactation. At least 27 of 33 (82%) FVR-recovered cats studied were shown to be viral carriers. The carrier state was characterised by periods of viral latency interspersed with episodes of viral shedding. Administration of 0-75 mg dexamethasone trimethylacetate and 2-25 mg prednisolone on days 0,2 and 4 resulted in re-excretion after a mean lag period of 7-2 days in 22 of 32 (69%) FVR-recovered cats on a total of 31 of 57 (54%) occasions. Rehousing resulted in virus re-excretion after a mean lag period of 7-2 days in four of 22 (18%) cats tested on a total of six of 40 (15%) occasions. Apparently spontaneous shedding occurred on a total of 10 occasions in nine of 31 (29%) cats during a mean observation period of 8-8 months. Four of six FVR-recovered queens in a total of four of 10 litters (40%) shed virus within two to 10 weeks of parturition. Serum neutralising antibody titres were generally boosted at the time of first re-infection but afterwards remained essentially constant. Although 82% of cats in these studies were shown to be viral carriers, only 45% of cats shed virus spontaneously or as a result of the natural stress situations and it is postulted that these naturally excreting cats are of most significance epidemiologically.
In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in applied ethology and animal welfare, and an increase in the popularity of the domestic cat. This has stimulated research on the behaviour and welfare of cats kept in different environments. This article presents a review of the recent research and makes recommendations for the housing of domestic cats in the home, in catteries and animal shelters, in laboratories and in veterinary surgeries.
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Temperament and the Welfare of Caged Cats
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