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Wojtaś J, Czyżowski P, Kaszycka K, Kaliszyk K, Karpiński M. The Impact of Environmental Enrichment on the Cortisol Level of Shelter Cats. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1392. [PMID: 38731396 PMCID: PMC11083262 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
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).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piotr Czyżowski
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland; (J.W.); (K.K.); (K.K.); (M.K.)
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Bian Z, Fan Z, Xiao T, Yan J, Ren R, Xu S, Deng B, Zhang L. Effects of species-relevant auditory stimuli on stress in cats exposed to novel environment. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37726876 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2023.2259803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Environmental changes like vet visit could cause stress in cats. Studies have attempted to develop stress management strategies targeting sensory systems. Even though species-appropriate music which includes cat affiliative sound (e.g., cats' purring and suckling sound) has been shown to relieve stress in cats. Little is known whether the cat sound alone works in stress management. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of species-relevant auditory stimuli on stress in cats exposed to a novel environment. During the 28-day experiment periods, 20 cats received four types of sound treatments which included silence (T1), purr of cats (T2), eating sound in cats (T3), and the mixed sound of T2 and T3 (T4) in a novel environment in random orders with intervals of 1 week between treatments. Cats' behaviors were recorded during each 10-min test. Results showed that T4 reduced visual scanning (P = 0.017) without significantly affecting other behaviors, compared with other treatments. Together, the two types of cat-specific sounds did not exert pronounced effects of relieving stress on cats exposed to a novel environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Bian
- Laboratory of Companion Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicong Fan
- Laboratory of Companion Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Xiao
- Laboratory of Companion Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayi Yan
- Laboratory of Companion Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiti Ren
- Laboratory of Companion Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suijun Xu
- Laboratory of Companion Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baichuan Deng
- Laboratory of Companion Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingna Zhang
- Laboratory of Companion Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Ropski MK, Pike AL, Ramezani N. Analysis of illness and length of stay for cats in a foster based rescue organization compared to cats housed in a cat café. J Vet Behav 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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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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Shu H, Gu X. Effect of a synthetic feline facial pheromone product on stress during transport in domestic cats: a randomised controlled pilot study. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:691-699. [PMID: 34493099 PMCID: PMC10812279 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211041305] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transport can be a stressful experience for domestic cats. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new synthetic feline facial pheromone product on relieving stress in domestic cats during short-distance transport. METHODS A randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted. Prior to baseline screening, cat owners were trained via online meetings in the assessment of stress-related behaviours and overall stress visual analogue scoring. All assessments were completed 30 mins after the start of transport. A total of 150 domestic cats exhibiting stress-related behaviours during baseline screening were recruited and randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n = 75) or the placebo group (n = 75). For the placebo-controlled intervention, the product and placebo, which were identical in appearance, were provided to the treatment and placebo groups, respectively. Fifteen minutes after spraying the carriers with the product or placebo, cat owners were required to take their cat out and complete the same assessments (baseline screening). RESULTS After the intervention, the performance of the stress-related behaviours curling, lack of motion and meowing during transport outside the home was significantly reduced in the treatment group compared with the placebo group (P <0.05). When the baseline stress visual analogue scale (VAS) score was >2.94 cm, cats in the treatment group had significantly lower post-intervention stress VAS scores compared with those in the placebo group (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A synthetic feline facial pheromone product can alleviate short-distance transport-related stress in domestic cats with higher stress scores. This finding will benefit domestic cats during transport outside of the home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Shu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianhong Gu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhang L, Bian Z, Liu Q, Deng B. Dealing With Stress in Cats: What Is New About the Olfactory Strategy? Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:928943. [PMID: 35909687 PMCID: PMC9334771 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.928943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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He C, Fan K, Hao Z, Tang N, Li G, Wang S. Prevalence, Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Potential Biomarkers and Management of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis: An Update Review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:900847. [PMID: 35812890 PMCID: PMC9257190 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.900847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline idiopathic cystitis is a widespread disease in small animal clinics, which mainly presents with urinary signs like dysuria, stranguria, hematuria, pollakiuria, and periuria. The etiopathogenesis of the disease may involve interactions between the environmental stressors, neuroendocrine system and bladder of affected cats. Diagnostic biomarkers have not been tested in clinical studies though they are theoretically feasible, and since the clinical signs of the disease assemble those of other feline lower urinary diseases, its diagnosis is a procedure of exclusion. The primary treatment of the disease is long-term multimodal environmental modification (or enrichment) while anti-anxiety drugs and nutritional supplements are recommended for chronic recurrent cases. Still, many medicines need to be evaluated for their efficacy and safety. This review aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of feline idiopathic cystitis by summarizing and updating studies concerning the prevalence, risk factors, etiological hypotheses, diagnostic procedures, possible treatments, and prognosis of the disease.
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Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hosie MJ, Hartmann K, Egberink H, Truyen U, Tasker S, Belák S, Boucraut-Baralon C, Frymus T, Lloret A, Marsilio F, Pennisi MG, Addie DD, Lutz H, Thiry E, Radford AD, Möstl K. Calicivirus Infection in Cats. Viruses 2022; 14:937. [PMID: 35632680 PMCID: PMC9145992 DOI: 10.3390/v14050937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common pathogen in domestic cats that is highly contagious, resistant to many disinfectants and demonstrates a high genetic variability. FCV infection can lead to serious or even fatal diseases. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of experts in feline medicine from 11 European countries, presents the current knowledge of FCV infection and fills gaps with expert opinions. FCV infections are particularly problematic in multicat environments. FCV-infected cats often show painful erosions in the mouth and mild upper respiratory disease and, particularly in kittens, even fatal pneumonia. However, infection can be associated with chronic gingivostomatitis. Rarely, highly virulent FCV variants can induce severe systemic disease with epizootic spread and high mortality. FCV can best be detected by reverse-transcriptase PCR. However, a negative result does not rule out FCV infection and healthy cats can test positive. All cats should be vaccinated against FCV (core vaccine); however, vaccination protects cats from disease but not from infection. Considering the high variability of FCV, changing to different vaccine strain(s) may be of benefit if disease occurs in fully vaccinated cats. Infection-induced immunity is not life-long and does not protect against all strains; therefore, vaccination of cats that have recovered from caliciviral disease is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC—University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Herman Egberink
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Uwe Truyen
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK;
- Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Shirley, Solihull B90 4BN, UK
| | - Sándor Belák
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health (BVF), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7036, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | | | - Tadeusz Frymus
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Albert Lloret
- Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Diane D. Addie
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Hans Lutz
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Alan D. Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK;
| | - Karin Möstl
- Institute of Virology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
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Kong SK, Watson W, Ho KM, Farnworth MJ. Cat management in an unregulated shelter environment: Relationship between care provision and cat health in Hong Kong. Anim Welf 2021. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.30.4.008] [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
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.
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Vojtkovská V, Voslářová E, Večerek V. Methods of Assessment of the Welfare of Shelter Cats: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091527. [PMID: 32872242 PMCID: PMC7552334 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
At any moment, there are millions of cats housed in foster care facilities for abandoned and stray animals for various reasons worldwide. Care, management and regulation among these facilities differ. Moreover, shelters can never substitute the full comfort of a good home for the animal, and the welfare of cats in shelters is a subject of discussion in many respects. Cats are animals sensitive to changes; for most of them, placement in a shelter is a stressful experience because of changes in routine, environment and the presence of other animals. Stress is reflected in changes in behaviour, causes fluctuations in physiological values and disrupts the immune system, which is a predisposition to the development or reactivation of disease. Evaluation of the presence and intensity of negative impacts is possible through the use of evaluation tools based on indicators that help set the environment and management of keeping so as to disrupt the quality of life as little as possible. Although a comprehensive and valid welfare tool that would evaluate animal-based and at the same time resource-based (or management-based) indicators of cats in shelters is not currently available, it is possible to use partial evaluation of individual welfare indicators to assess welfare. This review aims to provide the readers with an insight into current options of assessment of the welfare of cats in shelters with an emphasis on behavioural, physiological and health indicators with an application in both practical and scientific contexts.
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Luis Fuentes V, Abbott J, Chetboul V, Côté E, Fox PR, Häggström J, Kittleson MD, Schober K, Stern JA. ACVIM consensus statement guidelines for the classification, diagnosis, and management of cardiomyopathies in cats. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1062-1077. [PMID: 32243654 PMCID: PMC7255676 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of myocardial disorders of mostly unknown etiology, and they occur commonly in cats. In some cats, they are well‐tolerated and are associated with normal life expectancy, but in other cats they can result in congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism or sudden death. Cardiomyopathy classification in cats can be challenging, and in this consensus statement we outline a classification system based on cardiac structure and function (phenotype). We also introduce a staging system for cardiomyopathy that includes subdivision of cats with subclinical cardiomyopathy into those at low risk of life‐threatening complications and those at higher risk. Based on the available literature, we offer recommendations for the approach to diagnosis and staging of cardiomyopathies, as well as for management at each stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Luis Fuentes
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Abbott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Valérie Chetboul
- Alfort Cardiology Unit (UCA), Université Paris-Est, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire d'Alfort (CHUVA), Maisons-Alfort cedex, France
| | - Etienne Côté
- Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | | | - Jens Häggström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mark D Kittleson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karsten Schober
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Joshua A Stern
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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14
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A systematic review of social and environmental factors and their implications for indoor cat welfare. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Gates MC, Mancera K, Dale A, Zito S. Preliminary analysis of post-adoption outcomes for kittens and adult cats rehomed through a New Zealand animal shelter. N Z Vet J 2019; 68:38-45. [PMID: 31474197 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2019.1662340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To determine the frequency of different types of health and behavioural problems observed in the first month after adoption in kittens and adult cats rehomed through an animal shelter in New Zealand, to assess satisfaction of adopters and to determine the preferences of adopters for provision of post-adoption support.Methods: The adopters of kittens and cats from an animal shelter in Auckland, New Zealand between 15 October 2016-4 December 2016 were invited to complete a survey 1 week and 1 month after adoption. Respondents were asked about how well the animal was settling into the household, whether they had observed any health or behavioural problems, and what their preferences were for receiving post-adoption support.Results: Data from at least one survey were available for 83/115 (72.2%) kittens and 70/155 (45.6%) adult cats, with 39/115 (34%) adopters of kittens and 35/155 (23%) adopters of adult cats completing surveys at both 1 week and 1 month after adoption. By 1 month after adoption 57/60 (95%) adopted kittens and 40/53 (75%) adopted adult cats had settled well into their new home. At 1 month after adoption 28/60 (47%) kittens and 26/53 (49%) cats had ≥1 reported behavioural problem, and 16/60 (27%) kittens and 18/53 (34%) cats had ≥1 reported health problem. The most common problem behaviours for kittens were episodes of hyperactivity and scratching household items, and for adult cats were spending most of the time hiding and scratching household items. The most common health problems for kittens were eye problems and sneezing or a runny nose, and for adult cats were sneezing or a runny nose. Amongst respondents, the most helpful support for recent adopters was considered to be an email or phone call 1 month after adoption from the animal shelter.Conclusions and clinical relevance: Although many adopters reported health and/or behavioural issues in their adopted kittens and adult cats, most issues were generally mild and the adopters were generally satisfied with their animals. Providing new adopters with advice about managing common health and behavioural issues such as upper respiratory disease and scratching household items may increase satisfaction with adoptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Gates
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K Mancera
- RNZSPCA, New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand.,Current address: Departamento de Etología y Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán 04510, DF, México
| | - A Dale
- RNZSPCA, New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S Zito
- RNZSPCA, New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand.,Current Address: RSPCA Australia, 5/6 Napier Cl, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia
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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Cats are one of the most common companion animals in the world. However, relatively little scientific research has been conducted on cat behavior. With problem behaviors a leading reason for relinquishment of cats to shelters, or abandonment outdoors, solutions to address feline behavioral problems can have important welfare benefits. Because naturally occurring pheromones produce measurable species-specific responses in cats, the use of synthetic pheromone products consisting of the same compounds may activate a specific behavioral response in the receiving individual, allowing humans to better communicate with cats and manage feline problem behavior. AIMS In this article the scientific background for naturally occurring feline pheromones and semiochemicals and their impact on cat behavior is reviewed. This is used as a foundation to explore the three feline synthetic pheromones currently available and the empirical evidence that exists for their effectiveness. From this information, several recommendations for veterinarians and behavior professionals on the application of feline pheromone therapy in the home and veterinary clinic setting are presented. EVIDENCE BASE The efficacy of synthetic pheromones as a tool for the management of problem behaviors is a relatively new area of research and only fairly recently has the need to implement more rigorous research methodology been recognized.
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Westropp JL, Delgado M, Buffington CAT. Chronic Lower Urinary Tract Signs in Cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2019; 49:187-209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Abstract
Desensitization and counterconditioning are behavioral techniques widely used in veterinary behavioral medicine to treat anxieties, fears, and phobias. With desensitization, the patient is taught to relax as it is exposed to anxiety-provoked stimuli in a gradual fashion. The controlled exposures start with the patient relaxing in the presence of a muted stimulus (ie, a stimulus that does not trigger a fearful response). Over time, the patient will be introduced gradually to a more intense stimulus with the hope that eventually it will remain relaxed at all levels of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Poggiagliolmi
- Behavior Medicine Department, Long Island Veterinary Specialists, 163 South Service Road, Plainview, NY 11803, USA.
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