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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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van der Laan JE, Vinke CM, Arndt SS. Nocturnal activity as a useful indicator of adaptability of dogs in an animal shelter and after subsequent adoption. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19014. [PMID: 37923933 PMCID: PMC10624664 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46438-9] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs in shelters are faced with the challenge of adapting to a kennel after relinquishment and to a novel home after adoption. To measure adaptability of dogs, more feasible behavioural and physiological parameters need to be validated in different contexts. To evaluate nocturnal activity as an indicator of adaptability, we compared nocturnal activity, urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio (UCCR), and body weight changes of sheltered dogs the first period after intake in the shelter and after adoption. Nocturnal activity and UCCRs were significantly lower the first days after adoption than in the shelter. After adoption, nocturnal activity was significantly lower on night 2 than night 1, but not on night 3 and 4, suggesting a form of 'rebound of resting' during night 2 in the new home. UCCRs significantly decreased 7 days after adoption. Body weight decreased in the shelter but increased again after adoption. These findings suggest that overall, dogs rest better in a novel home than in a novel shelter but, in both contexts, some form of adaptation takes place. Nocturnal activity measured by an accelerometer differentiated well between shelter and home environments, and corresponded to UCCR responses, which supports usefulness of the method to monitor canine adaptability to novel environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke Elisabeth van der Laan
- Animal Behaviour Group, Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80166, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Claudia Maureen Vinke
- Animal Behaviour Group, Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80166, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Saskia Stefanie Arndt
- Animal Behaviour Group, Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80166, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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van der Laan JE, Vinke CM, Arndt SS. Sensor-supported measurement of adaptability of dogs (Canis familiaris) to a shelter environment: Nocturnal activity and behavior. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286429. [PMID: 37319231 PMCID: PMC10270336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Every shelter dog is faced with the challenge to adapt to a kennel environment. To monitor the welfare of individual shelter dogs, evaluating behavioural and physiological parameters, potentially useful as indicators for adaptability of individual dogs is crucial. Nocturnal activity, i.e. resting patterns, has already been identified as a candidate indicator of adaptability and can be easily measured remotely with the help of sensors. We investigated the usefulness of a 3-axial accelerometer (Actigraph®) to monitor nocturnal activity in shelter dogs every night during the full first two weeks in-shelter starting directly at shelter intake, as a measure of welfare. Additionally, urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio (UCCR), body weight and behaviour data were collected to evaluate stress responses. A control group of pet dogs in homes, matched to the shelter dog group, was also monitored. Shelter dogs had higher nocturnal activity and UCCRs than pet dogs, especially during the first days in the shelter. Nocturnal activity, both accelerometer measures and activity behaviour, and UCCRs decreased over nights in the shelter. Smaller dogs had higher nocturnal activity and UCCRs than larger dogs and showed less autogrooming during the first nights. Dogs with no previous kennel experience had higher nocturnal activity and UCCRs, and showed less body shaking, than dogs with previous kennel experience. Overall, sheltered dogs also showed less body shaking during the first night. The number of dogs showing paw lifting decreased over days. Age class and sex effected only few activity behaviours. Shelter dogs significantly lost body weight after 12 days in the shelter compared to the moment of intake. Shelter dogs had disrupted nocturnal resting patterns and UCCRs compared to pet dogs and seem to partly adapt to the shelter environment after two weeks. Sensor-supported identification of nocturnal activity can be a useful additional tool for welfare assessments in animal shelters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke E. van der Laan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Animals in Science and Society, Animal Behaviour Group, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia M. Vinke
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Animals in Science and Society, Animal Behaviour Group, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia S. Arndt
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Animals in Science and Society, Animal Behaviour Group, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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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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Paz JEG, da Costa FVA, Nunes LN, Monteiro ER, Jung J. Evaluation of music therapy to reduce stress in hospitalized cats. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:1046-1052. [PMID: 34930057 PMCID: PMC10812302 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211066484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the use of two different types of music - cat-specific music and classical music - compared with no music, to reduce stress in cats during hospitalization. METHODS Thirty-five hospitalized cats were randomly divided into three groups and each group received a different stimulus - cat-specific music, classical music or no music (control) - throughout their hospitalization. Respiratory rate, salivary cortisol and social interaction were documented. A blinded researcher performed the Cat Stress Score (CSS) during the video analysis of recordings at five specific times over 31 h of hospitalization. RESULTS There was no difference in the mean CSS between cats listening to cat-specific music, classical music and control throughout the five evaluations. Cat-specific music had a higher percentage of positive social interactions than the other groups on the first evaluation (P <0.05). The average respiratory rate was significantly lower in the classical music group vs control on the fourth evaluation (P <0.05). Although statistically insignificant, the average respiratory rate decreased only in the classical music group during the five evaluations. Cortisol quantification did not seem to follow the CSS results. However, owing to the low and unrepresentative number of samples, it was not possible to perform statistical analysis on these results or a group sample comparison. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Both cat-specific music and classical music seem to have some benefit to hospitalized cats. The salivary cortisol analysis was not adequate nor useful to measure stress in hospitalized cats in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane EG Paz
- Veterinary Science Post Graduation Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernanda VA da Costa
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luciana N Nunes
- Department of Statistics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo R Monteiro
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jenifer Jung
- Veterinary Clinics Hospital, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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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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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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Abstract
Practical relevance: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of feline
cardiomyopathy observed clinically and may affect up to approximately 15% of
the domestic cat population, primarily as a subclinical disease.
Fortunately, severe HCM, leading to heart failure or arterial
thromboembolism (ATE), only occurs in a small proportion of these cats. Patient group: Domestic cats of any age from 3 months upward, of either sex and of any
breed, can be affected. A higher prevalence in male and domestic shorthair
cats has been reported. Diagnostics: Subclinical feline HCM may or may not produce a heart murmur or gallop sound.
Substantial left atrial enlargement can often be identified radiographically
in cats with severe HCM. Biomarkers should not be relied on solely to
diagnose the disease. While severe feline HCM can usually be diagnosed via
echocardiography alone, feline HCM with mild to moderate left ventricular
(LV) wall thickening is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means there is no
definitive test for HCM in these cats and so other disorders that can cause
mild to moderate LV wall thickening (eg, hyperthyroidism, systemic
hypertension, acromegaly, dehydration) need to be ruled out. Key findings: While a genetic cause of HCM has been identified in two breeds and is
suspected in another, for most cats the cause is unknown. Systolic anterior
motion of the mitral valve (SAM) is the most common cause of dynamic left
ventricular outflow tract obstruction (DLVOTO) and, in turn, the most common
cause of a heart murmur with feline HCM. While severe DLVOTO is probably
clinically significant and so should be treated, lesser degrees probably are
not. Furthermore, since SAM can likely be induced in most cats with HCM, the
distinction between HCM without obstruction and HCM with obstruction (HOCM)
is of limited importance in cats. Diastolic dysfunction, and its
consequences of abnormally increased atrial pressure leading to signs of
heart failure, and sluggish atrial blood flow leading to ATE, is the primary
abnormality that causes clinical signs and death in affected cats. Treatment
(eg, loop diuretics) is aimed at controlling heart failure. Preventive
treatment (eg, antithrombotic drugs) is aimed at reducing the risk of
complications (eg, ATE). Conclusions: Most cats with HCM show no overt clinical signs and live a normal or
near-normal life despite this disease. However, a substantial minority of
cats develop overt clinical signs referable to heart failure or ATE that
require treatment. For most cats with clinical signs caused by HCM, the
long-term prognosis is poor to grave despite therapy. Areas of uncertainty: Genetic mutations (variants) that cause HCM have been identified in a few
breeds, but, despite valiant efforts, the cause of HCM in the vast majority
of cats remains unknown. No treatment currently exists that reverses or even
slows the cardiomyopathic process in HCM, again despite valiant efforts. The
search goes on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Kittleson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, and Veterinary Information Network, 777 West Covell Boulevard, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Etienne Côté
- Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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Vojtkovská V, Voslářová E, Večerek V. Changes in Health Indicators of Welfare in Group-Housed Shelter Cats. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:701346. [PMID: 34631847 PMCID: PMC8497757 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.701346] [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: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to detect changes in health-oriented welfare indicators of shelter cats housed in a shelter by means of long-term monitoring of health indicators of welfare in a population of group-housed cats in a private, no-kill shelter in the Czech Republic. The cat population housed in a large group was monitored for 1 year. The data recording took place at 2-week intervals. A total of 220 cats were evaluated using a protocol containing eight health-oriented welfare indicators: body condition, third eye visibility, eye discharge, eye irritation, nose discharge, the presence of pathologically induced respiratory sounds, coat condition, and lameness and abnormal posture. The assessment was performed based on the observation by two trained evaluators. The cats' condition was rated on a 5-point scale for each indicator, where the optimal condition was represented by the score of 1 and a severe deterioration by the score of 5 for the given indicator, except for the body condition indicator, where the optimal condition was represented by the score of 3. A deterioration in the score in at least one of the indicators during the stay in the shelter was recorded in 52 (41.6%) of 125 cats that were assessed at least twice. The effect of the LOS, sex and age on the scores for each health indicator was examined via a linear mixed model analysis, as this method allows for handling of dependencies in the data of repeated measurements. The effect of predictors on the third eye visibility scores was not found. The age of cats predicted the coat condition and body condition scores. The LOS predicted scores of the abnormal posture and lameness indicator and scores of a composite index composed of indicators related to upper respiratory tract disease. The results suggest that despite the fact that some improvement of health was documented during the cats' stay in the shelter, there were a non-negligible number of animals experiencing a permanent or long-term deterioration in health. Efforts to minimize the undesirable factors contributing to the deterioration of well-being of cats during their stay in a shelter should be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Vojtkovská
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Eva Voslářová
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Vladimír Večerek
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
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Behavioral correlates of urinary output in shelter cats. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Nagasawa T, Ohta M, Uchiyama H. The Urinary Hormonal State of Cats Associated With Social Interaction With Humans. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:680843. [PMID: 34381833 PMCID: PMC8350111 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.680843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Research to assess the relationship between cats and humans is in a nascent stage. Some studies have assessed the stress status in cats using physiological indicators, such as the cortisol hormone, but have not focused on the social interaction with humans. Moreover, the role of oxytocin secretion in the relationship between cats and humans remains unclear. In this study, we determined the possibility of quantifying the urinary concentration of oxytocin in cats and assessed the effects of social contact with humans on the levels of urinary oxytocin and cortisol metabolite. Four cats were subjected to two conditions, namely, social (control), and non-social (no social contact with humans) conditions. The levels of cortisol and oxytocin metabolite in urine samples from the cats in both conditions were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The urinary concentrations of cortisol and oxytocin under the non-social condition were significantly higher than those under the social condition. In addition, the concentration of oxytocin significantly correlated with that of cortisol in cats under the non-social condition. In this study, it was possible to quantify the concentration of oxytocin in the urine of cats, and the obtained results suggest that cats recognize the social interaction with humans as important. This information might contribute to the establishment of an assessment method for the welfare of cats and might help in clarifying the relationship between cats and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Nagasawa
- Department of Human and Animal-Plant Relationships, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Ohta
- Department of Human and Animal-Plant Relationships, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan.,Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University School of Veterinary Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Uchiyama
- Department of Human and Animal-Plant Relationships, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan.,Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
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14
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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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Bowen J, García E, Darder P, Argüelles J, Fatjó J. The effects of the Spanish COVID-19 lockdown on people, their pets, and the human-animal bond. J Vet Behav 2020; 40:75-91. [PMID: 32837452 PMCID: PMC7292953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Spanish confinement for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavior of pet cats and dogs, and the support that pets provided to their owners. We found that the quality of life of owners was strongly influenced by the lifestyle and emotional effects of the confinement, and that pets provided them with substantial support to mitigate those effects. However, pets showed signs of behavioral change that were consistent with stress, with dogs that had pre-existing behavioral problems being the most affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bowen
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.,Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Elena García
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Patricia Darder
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Juan Argüelles
- Cardenal Herrera-CEU University, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaume Fatjó
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.,IMIM-Mar Health Park, Neuropsychiatry and Drug Addiction Institute (INAD), Barcelona, Spain
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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: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [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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