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Lee S, Boone G, Bidgoli A, Di Bernardo J, Moody CM. US cat caregivers' attitudes on veterinary video telemedicine. J Feline Med Surg 2024; 26:1098612X241249623. [PMID: 39120154 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x241249623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many cats do not see a veterinarian on an annual basis, and their caregivers face many barriers to accessing veterinary care. A potential solution to overcome some of these barriers is video telemedicine. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand companion cat caregivers' perceptions of using veterinary video telemedicine with their cats. METHODS An online quantitative questionnaire was used to survey US cat caregivers on their experiences of and attitudes to using video telemedicine with their cats. Participants were required to reside in the USA, be the primary caregiver of at least one cat and be aged 18 years or older. RESULTS The majority (97.3%) of the 1254 respondents indicated they had never used a video telemedicine appointment with their cat(s) before; however, most (85.7%) indicated they were very or somewhat interested in using video telemedicine with their cat. Overall, caregivers perceived video telemedicine visits as less stressful for themselves (P <0.0002) and their cats (P <0.0001), and as increasing their access to veterinary care (P <0.0001) compared with in-clinic visits. Participants also indicated they would prefer a video telemedicine appointment over an in-clinic appointment for most cat behavioral concerns but preferred in-clinic appointments for most health concerns. Most respondents (51.3%) indicated they would be willing to pay a little less for a telemedicine appointment than an in-clinic visit. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Cat caregivers represent an important population that could benefit from the implementation of video telemedicine into veterinary care. Our results suggest many US cat caregivers indicate an interest and willingness to pay for video telemedicine visits to increase their access to veterinary care and reduce stress associated with veterinary visits for both themselves and their cats. Caregivers showed more interest in using video telemedicine for behavioral concerns than health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyoung Lee
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Grace Boone
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ashley Bidgoli
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Carly M Moody
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Croney C, Udell M, Delgado M, Ekenstedt K, Shoveller AK. CATastrophic myths part 1: Common misconceptions about the social behavior of domestic cats and implications for their health, welfare, and management. Vet J 2023; 300-302:106028. [PMID: 37683761 PMCID: PMC10841747 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Cats are among the most popular pets worldwide, but there are still major gaps in the public's general understanding of their social behaviors and related needs, including for socialization. In addition to these knowledge gaps, people often have negative or ambivalent attitudes about cats, which can directly impact their welfare outcomes. Insufficient attention to the behavioral ecology and development of cat sociality, along with failure to account for their highly variable individual preferences and tolerance for social behaviors can lead them to experience distress that undermines both their welfare and the human-animal bond. As Part 1 of a two-part series addressing common myths about cats, the purpose of this first paper is to review and debunk common misperceptions about the social needs and behaviors of cats, including misunderstandings about their social lives and abilities to bond with humans. We also identify where opportunities exist to improve socialization of cats and to advance research in related areas that might better support their behavior and welfare needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace Croney
- Center for Animal Welfare Science, Purdue University, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Monique Udell
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, 2921 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | | | - Kari Ekenstedt
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Anna Kate Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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Roseveare C, Breheny M, Mansvelt J, Murray L, Wilkie M, Gates MC. Companion Animal Fostering as Health Promotion: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6199. [PMID: 37444047 PMCID: PMC10340564 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in the health-promoting potential of human-companion animal relationships from a broad public health perspective while acknowledging barriers to ownership, particularly for older adults. Companion animal fostering is an alternative to pet ownership that aligns with the Ottawa Charter health promotion principle that caring for others in everyday settings promotes health. This narrative review of the literature on companion animal fostering draws on Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four-sided house), an indigenous model of health that is influential in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and the Ottawa Charter. We found that companion animal fostering can be considered health-promoting for human and non-human animals, using a broad and multidimensional understanding of health. As well as improving the long-term outcomes for homeless animals, companion animal fostering has the potential to promote the health of the individuals, families, and communities who provide foster homes. Our review highlights the importance of health promoters considering the reciprocal relationship between human and animal health. Future research should explore different aspects of human and non-human health, perspectives of different types of fosterers in different settings and communities, barriers to fostering, and methods that explore the role of caring for a wider range of companion animals in creating and sustaining wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Breheny
- School of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand;
| | - Juliana Mansvelt
- School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand;
| | - Linda Murray
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington 6140, New Zealand;
| | - Marg Wilkie
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - M. Carolyn Gates
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand;
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Khoddami S, Kiser MC, Moody CM. Why can't we be friends? Exploring factors associated with cat owners' perceptions of the cat-cat relationship in two-cat households. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1128757. [PMID: 37051515 PMCID: PMC10083434 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1128757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Khoddami
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Makayla C. Kiser
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Carly M. Moody
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Carly M. Moody
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When and Why Cats Are Returned to Shelters. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020243. [PMID: 36670783 PMCID: PMC9854428 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable research on why cats are initially relinquished to shelters, but much less attention has been given to returns, despite the significant implications for shelter capacity and cat welfare. Furthermore, the structure of many databases fails to account for cats who are returned beyond 30 days, despite this making up a substantial portion of returns. In the current study, we examined common risk factors and reasons for return in a population of 2642 shelter cats. We found that cats who were older at the time of adoption or had a bite history had an increased risk of return, whereas cats that were in foster care prior to adoption had a decreased risk of return. We divided the returns by the time to return (<30 days: short term, >30 days: long term) to examine whether time to return had an impact. Approximately half the cats were returned in the short term. Cats were more likely to be returned for reasons, such as behavior, unwanted, and other pet in the short term and personal reasons, cost, euthanasia, and stray in the long-term return. Strategies to reduce returns should consider different solutions for short and long returns to maximize effectiveness.
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Rodan I, Dowgray N, Carney HC, Carozza E, Ellis SLH, Heath S, Niel L, St Denis K, Taylor S. 2022 AAFP/ISFM Cat Friendly Veterinary Interaction Guidelines: Approach and Handling Techniques. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:1093-1132. [PMID: 36259500 PMCID: PMC10845437 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221128760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Rodan
- Cat Behavior Solutions, Cat Care Clinic, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nathalie Dowgray
- International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wi ltshire, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Heath
- Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice, Chester, UK
| | - Lee Niel
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Kelly St Denis
- St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samantha Taylor
- International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Wiltshire, Tisbury, UK
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Henning JSL, Fernandez EJ, Nielsen T, Hazel S. Play and welfare in domestic cats: Current knowledge and future directions. Anim Welf 2022. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.31.4.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Play and welfare have long been linked within animal research literature, with play considered as both a potential indicator and promoter of welfare. An indicator due to observations that play is exhibited most frequently in times when an animal's fitness is not under threat and when
immediate needs such as food, water and adequate space are met. And a promoter, because of observations that animals who play more also have better welfare outcomes. However, limited research has been undertaken to investigate this link, especially in companion animals. The domestic cat (
Felis catus) is one of the most popular companion animals in the world, yet little is known about the impact of play behaviour on cat welfare. We review the current literature on play and welfare in cats. This includes examining the role of cat play in mitigating negative welfare outcomes,
such as reducing problem behaviours, one of the leading reasons for guardian dissatisfaction and cat relinquishment to shelters. Play is also discussed as a potential tool to provide environmental enrichment and to improve cat-human relationships. Future areas for research are suggested. We
find that further research is needed that uses a multifaceted approach to assess how quantity, type and quality of play impact subsequent cat behaviour and welfare. Future research could also assess cat play needs and preferences as well as investigate the role of play in mitigating threats
to cat welfare such as reducing problem behaviour and improving human-cat relationships. If play is an indicator and promoter of welfare, studies into the impact of play may offer an accessible approach for monitoring and improving domestic cat welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- JSL Henning
- University of Adelaide, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, South Australia, Australia
| | - EJ Fernandez
- University of Adelaide, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, South Australia, Australia
| | - T Nielsen
- University of Adelaide, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, South Australia, Australia
| | - S Hazel
- University of Adelaide, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, South Australia, Australia
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Cisneros A, Litwin D, Niel L, Stellato AC. Unwanted Scratching Behavior in Cats: Influence of Management Strategies and Cat and Owner Characteristics. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192551. [PMID: 36230292 PMCID: PMC9559527 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite scratching behavior in owned domestic cats being a self-motivated and natural behavior, it is commonly reported as a behavior problem by owners when it results in damage to household items. The objectives of this study were to use a cross-sectional survey targeting cat owners within the United States and Canada, to explore perspectives on cat scratching behavior and management strategies, as well as identify factors that influence the performance of inappropriate scratching behavior in the household. A total of 2465 cat owners participated in the survey and three mixed logistic regression models were generated to explore associations between (1) cat demographic factors, (2) provisions of enrichment, and (3) owner demographic and management factors with owner reports of problematic scratching. In this convenience sample, inappropriate scratching was reported by 58% of cat owners. Owner perspectives and management strategies aligned with current recommendations as they preferred to use appropriate surfaces (e.g., cat trees) and training to manage scratching as opposed to surrendering, euthanizing, or declawing. Logistic regression results found fewer reports of unwanted scratching behavior if owners provide enrichment (flat scratching surfaces (p = 0.037), sisal rope (p < 0.0001), and outdoor access (p = 0.01)), reward the use of appropriate scratching objects (p = 0.007), apply attractant to preferred items (p < 0.0001), restrict access to unwanted items (p < 0.0001), provide additional scratching posts (p < 0.0001), and if their cat is 7 years of age or older (p < 0.00001). Whereas if owners use verbal (p < 0.0001) or physical correction (p = 0.007) there were higher reports of unwanted scratching. Results suggest that damage to household items from scratching behavior is related to management strategies owners employ, and these findings can be used to support owner education in mitigation and prevention of inappropriate scratching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa Cisneros
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Dorothy Litwin
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Lee Niel
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Anastasia C. Stellato
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Correspondence:
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McDonald SE, Miller GS, Fried TR, Olmedo D, Matijczak A. Increasing Engagement in Kitten Fostering Programs: Lessons Learned From High Kitten Intake Zip Codes in Los Angeles County. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:897687. [PMID: 35754537 PMCID: PMC9218863 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.897687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the current study was to identify ways to increase awareness and engagement in kitten fostering programs (KFPs) among residents of areas with a high intake of kittens to animal shelters in Southern California (i.e., Los Angeles County). Specifically, we aimed to understand residents': (1) awareness of KFPs and kitten overpopulation issues, (2) interest in fostering kittens with an animal welfare organization, (3) concerns about fostering, (4) perceived ability to meet common KFP requirements, and (5) perceptions of potential KFP marketing/messaging and communication methods. Participants included 283, predominantly Hispanic/Latinx adults aged 18 years or older who resided in Los Angeles County and who lived in one of 12 zip codes with a high rate of kitten shelter intake. Survey results indicated that more than one quarter of participants had engaged in fostering on their own without an animal shelter or rescue program. One-third of the total sample, and more than two-thirds of participants who had already fostered cats and kittens on their own, were open to fostering kittens in partnership with an animal shelter. A majority of individuals who were interested in fostering had not seen advertising for fostering programs; Spanish-language participants were significantly less likely than expected to have encountered program advertisements. The most prevalent concerns about fostering in our sample were centered on the time (79%), cost (78%), and space (77%) required to engage in fostering. Text, email, social media, and mail were among the most preferred methods for marketing and communication, with some variation between Spanish and English language respondents. Opportunities for increasing engagement included, but were not limited to, improving the promotion of program advertisements using animal-welfare and cost-focused messaging approaches and improving the dissemination and marketing of Spanish-language materials. Providing community members with realistic expectations of the time, resources, and support they will get from animal welfare organizations may improve engagement in KFPs, as well as identifying alternative resources and supports (e.g., transportation, in-home veterinary visits) to assist community members in serving animals in their community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby E McDonald
- Department of Strategy and Research, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gregory S Miller
- Department of Strategy and Research, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tina Reddington Fried
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Feline Programs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Debra Olmedo
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Feline Programs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Angela Matijczak
- Department of Strategy and Research, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New York, NY, United States.,School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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