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Nagasawa T, Kimura Y, Masuda K, Uchiyama H. Physiological Assessment of the Health and Welfare of Domestic Cats-An Exploration of Factors Affecting Urinary Cortisol and Oxytocin. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233330. [PMID: 36496851 PMCID: PMC9738311 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological samples are beneficial in assessing the health and welfare of cats. However, most studies have been conducted in specialized environments, such as shelters or laboratories, and have not focused on cats living in domestic settings. In addition, most studies have assessed physiological stress states in cats based on cortisol, and none have quantified positive indicators, such as oxytocin. Here, we collected urine samples from 49 domestic cats and quantified urinary cortisol, oxytocin, and creatinine using ELISA. To identify factors influencing hormone levels, owners responded to questionnaires regarding their housing environment, individual cat information, and the frequency of daily interactions with their cats. Using principal component analysis, principal component scores for daily interactions were extracted. These results showed that the frequency of tactile and auditory signal-based communication by owners was positively correlated with the mean concentration of oxytocin in the urine. Additionally, this communication was more frequent in younger cats or cats that had experienced a shorter length of cohabitation with the owner. However, no factors associated with urinary cortisol concentration were identified. Our study indicates that interactions and relationships with the owner influence the physiological status of cats and suggests that oxytocin is a valuable parameter for assessing their health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Nagasawa
- Department of Human and Animal-Plant Relationships, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako 1737, Atsugi 243-0034, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kimura
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako 1737, Atsugi 243-0034, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Koji Masuda
- Department of Human and Animal-Plant Relationships, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako 1737, Atsugi 243-0034, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako 1737, Atsugi 243-0034, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Uchiyama
- Department of Human and Animal-Plant Relationships, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako 1737, Atsugi 243-0034, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako 1737, Atsugi 243-0034, Kanagawa, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-046-270-6263
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Taylor S, St Denis K, Collins S, Dowgray N, Ellis SLH, Heath S, Rodan I, Ryan L. 2022 ISFM/AAFP Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:1133-1163. [PMID: 36259498 PMCID: PMC10845436 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221128763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Taylor
- International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Kelly St Denis
- St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Collins
- International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Nathalie Dowgray
- International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | | | - Sarah Heath
- Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice, Chester, UK
| | - Ilona Rodan
- Cat Behavior Solutions, Cat Care Clinic, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Linda Ryan
- Inspiring Pet Teaching, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, UK
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Lamon TK, Slater MR, Moberly HK, Budke CM. Welfare and Quality of Life Assessments for Shelter Cats: A Scoping Review. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Klintip W, Jarudecha T, Rattanatumhi K, Ritchoo S, Muikaew R, Wangsud S, Sussadee M. First study on stress evaluation and reduction in hospitalized cats after neutering surgery. Vet World 2022; 15:2111-2118. [PMID: 36341062 PMCID: PMC9631363 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2111-2118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worranan Klintip
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thitichai Jarudecha
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Khwankamon Rattanatumhi
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sudpatchara Ritchoo
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rattana Muikaew
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakkapop Wangsud
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Metita Sussadee
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Jacobson LS, Ellis JJ, Janke KJ, Giacinti JA, Robertson JV. Behavior and adoptability of hoarded cats admitted to an animal shelter. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:e232-e243. [PMID: 35722998 PMCID: PMC9315195 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221102122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Libonate ST, Suchak M. Predictors of the Use of Enrichment Items in Colony Housed Shelter Cats. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2021:1-13. [PMID: 34096427 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1934840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Colony rooms provide cats with many opportunities to use enrichment, but animal shelters usually have finite resources to provision items. This study examined how cats select enrichment items when given a variety of options. Our goal was to identify whether certain enrichment might be particularly beneficial for different cats. Enrichment was categorized into three categories based on function (soft surfaces for resting, enclosed spaces for security, and vertical surfaces for vantage points). Demographic (sex, source of intake) and non-demographic (length of stay, floor space per cat, people present) features of the cats were entered into models as predictors. For all enrichment categories, the presence of people in the room significantly decreased item use, males used vertical surfaces more, all cats used vertical surfaces more the longer they were at the shelter, and cats that were seized or signed over from hoarding or cruelty cases used enclosed spaces more. Identifying patterns of enrichment use can allow shelters to more effectively distribute limited resources and maximize the welfare of individual cats during their stay at the shelter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha T Libonate
- Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation Department, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Malini Suchak
- Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation Department, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, USA
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