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The Impact of Lethal, Enforcement-Centred Cat Management on Human Wellbeing: Exploring Lived Experiences of Cat Carers Affected by Cat Culling at the Port of Newcastle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020271. [PMID: 36670811 PMCID: PMC9854822 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020271] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In urban and peri-urban areas of the world, free-roaming cats often pose management challenges for authorities. Most are wandering owned or semi-owned cats (fed by people who do not perceive ownership). Some are lost or abandoned, or unowned cats who obtain food from humans unintentionally. Unidentified cats are classified as "stray" in shelter data, and by government agencies as "stray" or "feral" based on their behaviour. However, legally feral cats are usually considered to live and reproduce in the wild with no support from humans. Cats classified as feral in Australia can be managed using lethal methods, including shooting, poisoning, trapping, and blunt trauma. The impact of killing animals on shelter staff is well documented. However, no previous research has investigated psychological impacts of lethal cat management on citizens who care for free-roaming cats. Using semi-structured interviews, this study explored the lived experience of six cat caregivers affected by lethal management of cats by shooting, instigated by the Port of Newcastle in 2020. Results demonstrated strong relationships between the caregivers and cats, and negative impacts on caregiver psychological health and quality of life associated with lethal management. It is recommended that a care-centred approach to cat management be prioritized in future, whereby authorities aid neutering and, if possible, adoption, to improve cat welfare, minimize cat nuisance complaints, and reduce psychological hazards to caregivers. Further, a revision of relevant legislation used to distinguish between domestic and feral cats in Australia should be actioned to prevent unnecessary killing of domestic cats.
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Beyond “Doing Better”: Ordinal Rating Scales to Monitor Behavioural Indicators of Well-Being in Cats. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12212897. [DOI: 10.3390/ani12212897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Safeguarding the well-being of cats is essential to the mission of any responsible animal shelter. Environmental enrichment and behaviour modification are often key to this goal. Measuring response to these interventions is essential to ensure strategies are successful. There are often many staff and volunteers involved in these efforts, and a lack of standardised language can make monitoring progress difficult. Ordinal rating scales of key behaviours can be a useful way to summarise observations and ensure that common language is used. However, it is crucial that these scales have good interobserver agreement and reliability, so operational definitions and training systems are important. This paper presents a method for evaluating four different expressions of cat welfare on a 0–5 scale: modified Fear, Anxiety, and Stress score; Response to Petting score; Participation in Play score; and Food Intake Summary score. All scales showed almost perfect average interobserver agreement (linear weighted κ) and excellent average interobserver reliability (interclass correlation coefficient). These scales may prove useful to other shelters, or any other environment where evaluating response to interventions is important to the welfare of cats, such as research facilities or home environments. The exceptional interobserver agreement and reliability of this study compared with some others highlights the importance of standardised training programs.
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Jacobson LS, Ellis JJ, Janke KJ, Giacinti JA, Robertson JV. Behavior and adoptability of hoarded cats admitted to an animal shelter. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:e232-e243. [PMID: 35722998 PMCID: PMC9315195 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221102122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the behavioral characteristics and
success of adoption for previously hoarded cats. Methods Shelter records and post-adoption surveys were analyzed for hoarded cats ⩾6
months old at intake. A non-standard scoring system was used. Intake scores
were allocated contemporaneously and socialization scores were applied
retrospectively for three time points (TPs): 5–10 days post-intake (shelter
TP), ⩽1 week post-adoption (home TP1) and >1 week post-adoption (home
TP2). Adoption returns were compared between hoarded and non-hoarded
cats. Results The study included 195 hoarded cats, of which 174 were adopted. Of 164 cats
with intake scores, 86 (52%) were scored as ‘friendly’ at intake. Forty-five
cats had socialization scores for all of the TPs, and of these, the
percentages of ‘supersocial’ or ‘social’ decreased from 87% at the shelter
TP to 47% at home TP1, then increased to 84% at home TP2. Most cats that
scored as ‘tense’ at intake had supersocial or social scores at home TP2.
Nine of the 88 cats with survey results had out-of-box (OOB) elimination in
either the shelter or home but only 1/88 in both. Adopters expressed
positive feelings for 42/43 cats for which feelings-based language was used
in their survey responses. Notable behaviors, such as neediness, were
recorded for 48/88 cats. Relationships with other household pets were
typically positive. Eighteen of 174 hoarded (10%) and 188/2662 non-hoarded
(7.1%) cats were returned post-adoption. Of these, six hoarded and 87
non-hoarded returns included behavioral reasons. There were no significant
differences between hoarded and non-hoarded cats for total or behavioral
returns. Conclusions and relevance Hoarded cats had high adoption rates, high adopter satisfaction and the
potential for good emotional well-being in adoptive homes. Behavior at
intake and OOB elimination in the shelter may not reflect post-adoption
behavior. Behavior-based outcome decisions for these vulnerable animals
should be deferred to allow time for habituation.
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Rand J, Lancaster E, Inwood G, Cluderay C, Marston L. Strategies to Reduce the Euthanasia of Impounded Dogs and Cats Used by Councils in Victoria, Australia. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:E100. [PMID: 29933633 PMCID: PMC6070790 DOI: 10.3390/ani8070100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Using euthanasia to manage dog and cat overpopulation causes health issues and emotional stress in employees involved, increases staff turnover, and has financial, moral and ethical ramifications for communities. Welfare agencies and local government agencies (councils) share responsibility for managing companion animal populations. This study investigated Australian councils in the state of Victoria, to identify strategies used to reduce euthanasia. Statistics regarding animal populations, registration, intake, reclaim, rehome and euthanasia were obtained from the Domestic Animal Management Plan of each council. Of the 79 Victorian councils, 74% achieved ≤10% euthanasia of impounded dogs, which is widely quoted as zero euthanasia of adoptable and treatable animals. The mean euthanasia rates for cats by the councils was 48%, with only one council achieving a euthanasia rate of ≤10% for cats. Mean reclaim rates for dogs were higher (73%) than for cats (13%), as was the mean proportion of unclaimed dogs rehomed (71%), compared to cats (45%). Telephone questionnaires were conducted with animal management officers from 35 councils (44%). Those with low euthanasia rates had high reclaim rates and/or rehome rates. Reclaim, rehome and euthanasia rates for dogs and cats were not significantly different between councils that operated their own pound facilities and those that utilized the services of welfare organizations to operate pounds on behalf of the council. More council managers believed they would never achieve ≤10% euthanasia for cats (49%) than for dogs (11%). A variety of strategies were used by councils to achieve high reclaim and rehoming rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquie Rand
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
- Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, Kenmore, QLD 4069, Australia.
| | - Emily Lancaster
- Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, Kenmore, QLD 4069, Australia.
| | - Georgina Inwood
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
| | - Carolyn Cluderay
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
| | - Linda Marston
- Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, Kenmore, QLD 4069, Australia.
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Changes Associated with Improved Outcomes for Cats Entering RSPCA Queensland Shelters from 2011 to 2016. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8060095. [PMID: 29895814 PMCID: PMC6025144 DOI: 10.3390/ani8060095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The aim of this study was to identify changes that contributed to the markedly improved live release of cats in Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Queensland shelters by comparing data from 2011 and 2016. Admission numbers were similar in these two years. The number and percentage euthanized decreased substantially from 58% in 2011 to 15% in 2016. The greatest contributor to this were marked increases in cats rehomed (i.e., adopted). The number of cats adopted doubled from 2011 to 2016, with over half the increase contributed by increased shelter adoptions, and the remainder achieved by increased off-site adoptions, largely through agreements with Petbarn stores. Improved outcomes were facilitated by nearly doubling the number of cats temporarily in foster care. Cats euthanized for behavioral reasons decreased by 85%, including a marked decrease in the number of euthanasias because the cat was deemed feral. Euthanasia of young kittens dramatically decreased. The number of cats reclaimed by their owner was similar in the two years and was only a small contributor to the numbers of cats released live. To achieve further improvements, programs that decrease intake for both stray and owned cats would be beneficial. Abstract This retrospective study of cat admissions to RSPCA Queensland shelters describes changes associated with improved outcomes ending in live release in 2016 compared to 2011. There were 13,911 cat admissions in 2011 and 13,220 in 2016, with approximately 50% in both years admitted as strays from the general public or council contracts. In contrast, owner surrenders halved from 30% to 15% of admissions. Percentages of admissions ending in euthanasia decreased from 58% to 15%. Only 5% of cat admissions were reclaimed in each of these years, but the percentage rehomed increased from 34% to 74%, of which 61% of the increase was contributed by in-shelter adoptions and 39% from non-shelter sites, predominately retail partnerships. The percentage temporarily fostered until rehoming doubled. In 2011, euthanasias were most common for medical (32% of all euthanasias), behavioral (36%) and age/shelter number (30%) reasons, whereas in 2016, 69% of euthanasias were for medical reasons. The number of young kittens euthanized decreased from 1116 in 2011 to 22 in 2016. The number of cats classified as feral and euthanized decreased from 1178 to 132, in association with increased time for assessment of behavior and increased use of behavior modification programs and foster care. We attribute the improved cat outcomes to strategies that increased adoptions and reduced euthanasia of young kittens and poorly socialized cats, including foster programs. To achieve further decreases in euthanasia, strategies to decrease intake would be highly beneficial, such as those targeted to reduce stray cat admissions.
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Zito S, Aguilar G, Vigeant S, Dale A. Assessment of a Targeted Trap-Neuter-Return Pilot Study in Auckland, New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8050073. [PMID: 29757255 PMCID: PMC5981284 DOI: 10.3390/ani8050073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is generally accepted that stray cats need to be managed to minimise the associated negative impacts and there is a need for effective and humane management tools. One such potential tool is trap-neuter-return (TNR), which anecdotally has been used in New Zealand to manage stray cats, but no concerted and targeted implementation of this technique has been reported, nor any formal assessments conducted. A targeted TNR (TTNR) programme for urban stray cats was implemented and assessed in one Auckland suburb. Assessment was based on the number of incoming felines; stray, unsocialised cats euthanased; unsocialised, unowned cats sterilised and returned (independently of the TTNR programme); and neonatal/underage euthanasias. Incoming stray feline, underage euthanasia, and unsocialised stray cat euthanasia numbers all reduced for the targeted suburb when these outcome measures were compared for the years before and after the programme. These outcome measures had a greater reduction in the targeted suburb compared to the other Auckland suburbs not targeted by the TTNR programme, although causation cannot be inferred, as a variety of reasons could have contributed to the changes. This pilot programme suggests that TTNR could be a valuable humane cat management tool in urban New Zealand, and further assessment is warranted. Abstract There is a need for effective and humane management tools to manage urban stray cats and minimise negative impacts associated with stray cats. One such tool is targeted trap-neuter-return (TTNR), but no concerted implementation of this technique or formal assessments have been reported. To address this deficit, a TTNR programme was implemented and assessed in one Auckland suburb from May 2015 to June 2016; the programme sterilised and returned 348 cats (4.2 cats/1000 residents). Assessment was based on the number of incoming felines; stray, unsocialised cats euthanased; unsocialised, unowned cats sterilised and returned (independently of the TTNR programme); and neonatal/underage euthanasias. Incoming stray felines, underage euthanasias, and unsocialised stray cat euthanasias were all reduced for the targeted suburb when compared for the years before and after the programme (the percentage reduction in these parameters was −39, −17, −34, −7, and −47, respectively). These outcome measures had a greater reduction in the targeted suburb compared to the Auckland suburbs not targeted by the TTNR programme (p < 0.01), although causation cannot be inferred, as a variety of reasons could have contributed to the changes. This pilot programme suggests that TTNR could be a valuable, humane cat management tool in urban New Zealand, and further assessment is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Zito
- Animal Welfare Science and Education Department, Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, 3047 Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0640, New Zealand.
| | - Glenn Aguilar
- Environmental and Animal Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology, Carrington Road, Auckland 1026, New Zealand.
| | - Shalsee Vigeant
- Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, Auckland Shelter, 50 Westney Rd, Mangere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand.
| | - Arnja Dale
- Animal Welfare Science and Education Department, Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, 3047 Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0640, New Zealand.
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Owens JL, Olsen M, Fontaine A, Kloth C, Kershenbaum A, Waller S. Visual classification of feral cat Felis silvestris catus vocalizations. Curr Zool 2017; 63:331-339. [PMID: 29491992 PMCID: PMC5804184 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zox013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cat vocal behavior, in particular, the vocal and social behavior of feral cats, is poorly understood, as are the differences between feral and fully domestic cats. The relationship between feral cat social and vocal behavior is important because of the markedly different ecology of feral and domestic cats, and enhanced comprehension of the repertoire and potential information content of feral cat calls can provide both better understanding of the domestication and socialization process, and improved welfare for feral cats undergoing adoption. Previous studies have used conflicting classification schemes for cat vocalizations, often relying on onomatopoeic or popular descriptions of call types (e.g., "miow"). We studied the vocalizations of 13 unaltered domestic cats that complied with our behavioral definition used to distinguish feral cats from domestic. A total of 71 acoustic units were extracted and visually analyzed for the construction of a hierarchical classification of vocal sounds, based on acoustic properties. We identified 3 major categories (tonal, pulse, and broadband) that further breakdown into 8 subcategories, and show a high degree of reliability when sounds are classified blindly by independent observers (Fleiss' Kappa K = 0.863). Due to the limited behavioral contexts in this study, additional subcategories of cat vocalizations may be identified in the future, but our hierarchical classification system allows for the addition of new categories and new subcategories as they are described. This study shows that cat vocalizations are diverse and complex, and provides an objective and reliable classification system that can be used in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Owens
- Cooperative Predator Vocalization Consortium, South Daytona, FL, 32119
| | - Mariana Olsen
- Department of Philosophy, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717
| | - Amy Fontaine
- Department of Wildlife, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 95521
| | - Christopher Kloth
- Department of Philosophy, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89503, USA
| | - Arik Kershenbaum
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Sara Waller
- Department of Philosophy, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717
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Arhant C, Troxler J. Is there a relationship between attitudes of shelter staff to cats and the cats’ approach behaviour? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Modification of the Feline-Ality™ Assessment and the Ability to Predict Adopted Cats' Behaviors in Their New Homes. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:71-88. [PMID: 26479138 PMCID: PMC4494340 DOI: 10.3390/ani5010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary While millions of cats enter animal shelters every year, only 11.5% of pet cats are obtained from a shelter in the United States. Previous research has indicated that unrealistic expectations set by adopters can increase the chances of an adopted cat returning to the shelter. The ASPCA®’s Meet Your Match® Feline-ality™ adoption program was designed to provide adopters with accurate information about an adult cat’s future behavior in the home. This research explored the ability of the modified Feline-ality™ assessment when done one day after the cat entered the shelter. Our modified version was predictive of feline behavior post adoption. Abstract It is estimated that 2.5 million cats enter animal shelters in the United States every year and as few as 20% leave the shelter alive. Of those adopted, the greatest risk to post-adoption human animal bond is unrealistic expectations set by the adopter. The ASPCA®’s Meet Your Match® Feline-ality™ adoption program was developed to provide adopters with an accurate assessment of an adult cat’s future behavior in the home. However, the original Feline-ality™ required a three-day hold time to collect cat behaviors on a data card, which was challenging for some shelters. This research involved creating a survey to determine in-home feline behavior post adoption and explored the predictive ability of the in-shelter assessment without the data card. Our results show that the original Feline-ality™ assessment and our modified version were predictive of feline behavior post adoption. Our modified version also decreased hold time for cats to one day. Shelters interested in increasing cat adoptions, decreasing length of stay and improving the adoption experience can now implement the modified version for future feline adoption success.
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Slater M, Garrison L, Miller K, Weiss E, Makolinski K, Drain N. Reliability and Validity of a Survey of Cat Caregivers on Their Cats' Socialization Level in the Cat's Normal Environment. Animals (Basel) 2013; 3:1194-214. [PMID: 26479758 PMCID: PMC4494364 DOI: 10.3390/ani3041194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Many animal welfare organizations accept cats with no known behavioral history. It can be difficult to differentiate between a frightened but well-socialized cat and an unsocialized cat in an animal shelter environment. Making this distinction can save lives, yet currently there is no valid tool. Here we measured the quality of a survey designed to determine socialization level using information from the cat’s caregiver about a cat’s usual behavior around people in the cat’s normal environment. This survey will be used to help develop an effective process that accurately differentiates cats by their socialization levels in animal shelters. Abstract Stray cats routinely enter animal welfare organizations each year and shelters are challenged with determining the level of human socialization these cats may possess as quickly as possible. However, there is currently no standard process to guide this determination. This study describes the development and validation of a caregiver survey designed to be filled out by a cat’s caregiver so it accurately describes a cat’s personality, background, and full range of behavior with people when in its normal environment. The results from this survey provided the basis for a socialization score that ranged from unsocialized to well socialized with people. The quality of the survey was evaluated based on inter-rater and test-retest reliability and internal consistency and estimates of construct and criterion validity. In general, our results showed moderate to high levels of inter-rater (median of 0.803, range 0.211–0.957) and test-retest agreement (median 0.92, range 0.211–0.999). Cronbach’s alpha showed high internal consistency (0.962). Estimates of validity did not highlight any major shortcomings. This survey will be used to develop and validate an effective assessment process that accurately differentiates cats by their socialization levels towards humans based on direct observation of cats’ behavior in an animal shelter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Slater
- Shelter Research and Development, Community Outreach, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), 50 Stone Ridge Drive, Florence, MA 01062, USA.
| | - Laurie Garrison
- Shelter Research and Development, Community Outreach, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), P.O. Box 408, Little Silver, NJ 07739, USA.
| | - Katherine Miller
- Shelter Research and Development, Community Outreach, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), 520 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA.
| | - Emily Weiss
- Shelter Research and Development, Community Outreach, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), 3201 SW Winding Way, Palm City, FL 34990, USA.
| | - Kathleen Makolinski
- Veterinary Outreach, Community Outreach, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), P.O. Box 1144, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA.
| | - Natasha Drain
- Shelter Research and Development, Community Outreach, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), P.O. Box 4323, Arlington, VA 22204, USA.
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Physical and Behavioral Measures that Predict Cats' Socialization in an Animal Shelter Environment during a Three Day Period. Animals (Basel) 2013; 3:1215-28. [PMID: 26479759 PMCID: PMC4494369 DOI: 10.3390/ani3041215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Information from surveys completed by the cats’ caregivers provided a score for the level of socialization of cats. We examined the effectiveness of structured assessments and measures in their ability to distinguish More and Less Socialized cats in a shelter-like setting over a three day period. Statistical models were developed that best predicted More and Less Socialized cats. Measures from these models were used to calculate a point system where more points indicated more socialization. In combination with key socialized behaviors, these points were able to fairly accurately distinguish More Socialized from Less Socialized cats. Abstract Animal welfare organizations typically take in cats with unknown levels of socialization towards humans, ranging from unsocialized cats well-socialized but lost pets. Agencies typically determine the socialization status and disposition options of cats within three days, when even a well-socialized pet may be too frightened of the unfamiliar surroundings to display its typical behavior. This is the third part of a three-phase project to develop and evaluate a reliable and valid tool to predict cats’ socialization levels. We recruited cats from the full spectrum of socialization and, using information from the cats’ caregivers regarding typical behavior toward familiar and unfamiliar people, assigned each cat to a Socialization Category. This information was compared to the cats’ behavior during three days of structured assessments conducted in a shelter-like setting. The results of logistic regression modeling generated two models using assessments from the mornings of the second and third day, focusing on predicting shyer or more aloof but socialized cats. Using the coefficients from each of these models, two sets of points were calculated which were useful in differentiating More and Less Socialized cats. In combination with key socialized behaviors, these points were able to fairly accurately identify More and Less Socialized cats.
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