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Lopes LFD, Lopes EG, Lima MP, Lopes FG, Pegoraro D, Saragozo RDA, Lauz TR, dos Santos JV. Assessment and validation of the pet-owner relationship scale for Brazil. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1412451. [PMID: 38933583 PMCID: PMC11199857 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1412451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the cat-owner/dog-owner relationship scales. The method involved several stages: conceptual, item, semantic, operational, measurement, and functional equivalence. Procedures included translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, consensus on the English versions, external evaluation by the original authors, expert committee evaluation, and pre-tests. Methods The study surveyed 234 pet owners across Brazil using a 20-item questionnaire. Data analysis utilized confirmatory factor analysis, covariance-based modeling, and multigroup analysis. Results The study confirmed the content and construct validity of the model, demonstrating good convergent validity. Hypotheses testing revealed significant inverse relationships between Perceived Cost and Perceived Emotional Closeness, and between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. A positive correlation was found between Perceived Emotional Closeness and Pet-Owner Interactions, with Perceived Emotional Closeness also mediating the relationship between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. No significant differences were found across different pet owner groups, indicating the scale's invariance and reliability across various demographics. Discussion The study significantly expands understanding of the complex dynamics in pet-owner relationships and emphasizes the interplay between emotional and practical factors. It offers valuable insights for future research and practices in animal and human welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Felipe Dias Lopes
- Center for Social and Human Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Administration, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Grando Lopes
- Rural Science Center, Degree in Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Mauren Pimentel Lima
- Center for Health Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Nursing, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Pegoraro
- Center for Social and Human Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Administration, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Rosangela de Arruda Saragozo
- Center for Social and Human Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Administration, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Thais Ribeiro Lauz
- Center for Social and Human Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Psychology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Joana Vieira dos Santos
- Psychology Research Center, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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De Santis M, Filugelli L, Mair A, Normando S, Mutinelli F, Contalbrigo L. How to Measure Human-Dog Interaction in Dog Assisted Interventions? A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:410. [PMID: 38338052 PMCID: PMC10854530 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030410] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Human-dog interaction is the working tool through which the therapeutic, educational and recreational goals of dog-assisted interventions (DAIs) are achieved. A better understanding of the characteristics of this interaction could improve the effectiveness of DAIs. This scoping review addresses the question: how has the human-dog connection been measured in the context of DAIs? After searching the Web of Science and Scopus platforms, only peer-reviewed, primary research studies reporting measures of therapy dog-human interaction, relationship and bond were included. A total of 70 included articles provided information on what was measured (interaction, relationship or bond) and how, as well as the general context (DAIs or experimental situations with therapy dogs). While the majority of the articles identified use behavioural analysis methods to analyse the interaction between the participant/recipient and the therapy dog during DAIs, it was possible to identify some more structured tools that assess the participant/recipient's interaction, relationship or bond with the therapy dog, as well as tools that consider the animal's perspective or focus on the dog-handler dyad, indicating growing areas of research. The tools and methods identified can be used by both practitioners and researchers to further explore aspects of human-dog interaction in the field of DAIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Santis
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.D.S.); (L.F.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Lorena Filugelli
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.D.S.); (L.F.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Alberto Mair
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.D.S.); (L.F.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Simona Normando
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell’Università, 14, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Franco Mutinelli
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.D.S.); (L.F.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Laura Contalbrigo
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.D.S.); (L.F.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
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Riggio G, Angori E, Menchetti L, Diverio S. The Link between the Perception of Animal Welfare and the Emotional Response to Pictures of Farm Animals Kept in Intensive and Extensive Husbandry Systems: An Italian Survey. Vet Sci 2023; 10:652. [PMID: 37999475 PMCID: PMC10675316 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110652] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As livestock production grows to satisfy the global demand for animal products, understanding public attitudes towards different husbandry systems becomes essential for both animal welfare and socio-economic reasons. This study aimed to investigate people's emotional responses toward pictures of farm animals kept in intensive and extensive husbandry systems, their perception of animal welfare, and their choices as animal product consumers. A questionnaire that included demographic questions and photos of cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits in both intensive and extensive systems was distributed electronically and physically and completed by 835 respondents. Photos of animals in intensive systems elicited more negative emotions, especially for pigs and rabbits (p < 0.05), as opposed to extensive systems, which elicited more positive emotions, especially for chickens (p < 0.001). Higher welfare levels were perceived for extensively farmed animals (p < 0.001) and for cattle compared to all other species, regardless of the husbandry system (p < 0.001). The quality of the emotional response was positively associated with welfare perception (p < 0.001) and negatively associated with the importance given to welfare when purchasing animal products (p < 0.001). Finally, the emotional response was found to be affected by gender, education, household composition, living area, pet ownership, and eating habits. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Riggio
- Laboratory of Ethology and Animal Welfare (LEBA), Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Angori
- Independent Researcher, Via IV novembre 13, 52044 Camucia, Italy; ely--@live.it
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, Camerino University, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy
| | - Silvana Diverio
- Laboratory of Ethology and Animal Welfare (LEBA), Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
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Di Lucrezia A, Scandurra A, Pinelli C, Musco N, D’Aniello B, Mastellone V, Zicarelli F, Pero ME, Lombardi P. A Comparative Study of Dogs and Goats with Limited Human Socialization in the Impossible Task Paradigm. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3027. [PMID: 37835633 PMCID: PMC10571704 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193027] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to explore how limited human socialization affects the socio-cognitive abilities and interactions with unfamiliar individuals of a selected group of domesticated dogs and goats. These animals were raised and kept under conditions characterized by limited human socialization, and their behavior was assessed using the "impossible task" paradigm. The study found that dogs, with a history of cooperative interactions and human companionship, exhibited more frequent social engagement with human experimenters in the experimental setting than goats, traditionally domesticated for utilitarian purposes. However, differences in interaction duration and latency were not significant, highlighting the complexity of these interactions. The results suggest that domestication history and behavioral ecology play significant roles in shaping animals' willingness to engage with humans. However, this study acknowledges limitations, such as the specific population studied, and calls for further research with larger and more diverse samples to generalize these findings. Understanding the interplay between domestication history, behavioral ecology, and human socialization could provide insights into the complex factors influencing animal-human interactions and cognitive behaviors, with implications for animal welfare and human-animal relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Di Lucrezia
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (A.S.); (B.D.)
| | - Anna Scandurra
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (A.S.); (B.D.)
| | - Claudia Pinelli
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Nadia Musco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (N.M.); (V.M.); (M.E.P.); (P.L.)
| | - Biagio D’Aniello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (A.S.); (B.D.)
| | - Vincenzo Mastellone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (N.M.); (V.M.); (M.E.P.); (P.L.)
| | - Fabio Zicarelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Maria Elena Pero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (N.M.); (V.M.); (M.E.P.); (P.L.)
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Pietro Lombardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (N.M.); (V.M.); (M.E.P.); (P.L.)
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Flat-Faced or Non-Flat-Faced Cats? That Is the Question. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020206. [PMID: 36670746 PMCID: PMC9854927 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Persian and exotic shorthair cats are the most-popular brachycephalic breeds worldwide. This study aimed to explore differences in human-cat bonding, behavioural traits, perception of clinical breed-related problems, and the motivation for purchasing between brachycephalic cat owners (BCOs) and non-brachycephalic cat owners (NBCOs). Using an online questionnaire, human-cat bonding and cats' behavioural traits were explored using the CORS and Fe-BARQ scales, respectively. Breed-related problems and motivations for purchasing were explored only in BCOs. There were 278 BCOs and 250 NBCOs who completed the survey. Respiratory diseases resulted in being the main health problem of these breeds. Most BCOs were not aware of the incidence of these disorders in brachycephalic cats. Character and appearance were the main motivations for purchasing these breeds. Perceived emotional closeness (EC), cat-owner interaction (COI), and perceived cost (PC) mean scores were significantly higher in BCOs. Playfulness and affection-/attention-seeking scores were significantly higher in NBCOs. BCOs reported a significantly higher score for separation-related behaviours. The higher scores in separation-anxiety-related behaviours and in the EC and COI scales could be related mainly to the high level of care these breeds require. The motivation for acquiring brachycephalic breeds for good companionship seems in contrast with the lower scores obtained from BCOs for playfulness and affection-/attention-seeking.
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Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the cat-owner relationship scale (CORS-BR). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Borrelli C, Riggio G, Howell TJ, Piotti P, Diverio S, Albertini M, Mongillo P, Marinelli L, Baragli P, Di Iacovo FP, Gazzano A, Pirrone F, Mariti C. The Cat-Owner Relationship: Validation of the Italian C/DORS for Cat Owners and Correlation with the LAPS. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010069. [PMID: 36611680 PMCID: PMC9817682 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010069] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, most people now own a pet. Scales have been developed to understand the impact of pet ownership on people's lives and to measure specific aspects of the owner-pet relationship. The Cat-/Dog-Owner Relationship Scale (C/DORS) is a tool developed to investigate this relationship in both dog and cat owners. The aim of the study was to refine and validate the C/DORS for cat owners in Italian. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to determine the most appropriate factor model. Construct validity was confirmed by correlating the C/DORS subscales with the Lexington Attachment to Pets (LAPS) subscales. Results confirmed the original structure of the English version (i.e., three factors: Pet Owner Interaction = POI, Perceived Emotional Closeness = PEC, Perceived Costs = PC) and CFA confirmed the structure of LAPS and C/DORS scales. Cronbach's alpha demonstrated the Italian version of the two scales to have good internal reliability for all domains. Owners of cats living exclusively indoors reported higher scores on POI and PEC compared to indoor/outdoor cats. Owning both cats and dogs was correlated with lower scores on POI, and fewer perceived costs (i.e., PC) of cat ownership. Finally, behaviour problems, not being neutered, and lack of previous experience with cat ownership were associated with lower scores on PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Borrelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Riggio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiffani Josey Howell
- Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | - Patrizia Piotti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Silvana Diverio
- Laboratory of Ethology and Animal Welfare (LEBA), Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Albertini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Paolo Mongillo
- Laboratory of Applied Ethology, Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell′Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Lieta Marinelli
- Laboratory of Applied Ethology, Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell′Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Baragli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Pirrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Chiara Mariti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Riggio G, Borrelli C, Piotti P, Grondona A, Gazzano A, Di Iacovo FP, Fatjó J, Bowen JE, Mota-Rojas D, Pirrone F, Mariti C. Cat–Owner Relationship and Cat Behaviour: Effects of the COVID-19 Confinement and Implications for Feline Management. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070369. [PMID: 35878386 PMCID: PMC9324668 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070369] [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: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The aim of this study was to explore the effects of the Italian COVID-19 lockdown on the cat-owner relationship and on cat behaviour. In order to do so, we used a questionnaire to obtain information on the owner and cat’s demographics, living environment, cat behaviour, and possible changes in some aspects of the cat-owner relationship. The questionnaire was distributed online when the lockdown was still ongoing and was completed by 548 cat owners, mainly women. Our findings suggest that the greater amount of time that owners spent at home with their cats, as a consequence of the social restrictions, had a positive effect on the owner’s perception of their relationship with their cat (e.g., higher frequency of interaction, greater emotional closeness, reduced perceived costs of caring for the cat). Similarly, the lockdown seemed to have improved the welfare of many cats, as suggested by the positive changes in many of their behaviours, even for those cats with pre-existing behavioural problems. Overall, our findings suggest that the lockdown provided many cats with a more thriving physical and social environment. They also highlight the need to reconsider some cat management practices commonly implemented in non-exceptional circumstances. Abstract The restrictive measures implemented to stem the spread of COVID-19 abruptly changed the lives of many cats and their owners. This study explored whether the lockdown in Italy affected the cat–owner relationship, as well as cat behaviour and welfare. A survey that included questions on owner and cat’s demographics, living environment, cat behaviour and a modified version of the Cat/Dog Relationship Scale (C/DORS) was distributed online during the lockdown and was completed by 548 cat owners, mainly women (81.6%). With regard to the C/DORS subscales, both emotional closeness and cat–owner interactions increased during confinement, as opposed to a reduction in perceived costs. The effect of the type of job, family role and owner’s age on the C/DORS scores suggests that the relationship improved for those owners that, due to the lockdown, increased the time spent with their cats. For 58.8% of respondents, their cat’s general behaviour did not change, but when changes occurred, they were mostly positive (20.4%). Attention-seeking and demanding behaviours were the most increased during lockdown (25.7%). Cats with pre-existing problematic behaviours tended to either remain stable or improve during confinement. The overall positive effects of lockdown-related environmental changes on a cat’s behaviour suggest that some aspects of commonly implemented cat management practices should be revised to improve cat welfare in normal circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Riggio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
| | - Carmen Borrelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
| | - Patrizia Piotti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.P.); (F.P.)
| | - Anna Grondona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
| | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
| | - Francesco P. Di Iacovo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
| | - Jaume Fatjó
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (J.F.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Jonathan E. Bowen
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (J.F.); (J.E.B.)
- Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico;
| | - Federica Pirrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.P.); (F.P.)
| | - Chiara Mariti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
- Correspondence:
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