Presentation Details
| Evaluating the impact of treat preference on shelter cats’ response to feeding enrichment Allison Andrukonis1, George C.Brooks1, Erica N.Feuerbacher2. 1University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.2Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA |
Abstract
In-kennel enrichment is one method of decreasing stress in shelter cats. However, the use of feeding enrichment and accounting for individual preference has largely been overlooked. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of interactive feeders with preferred and non-preferred treats on urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio (UCCR) in shelter cats. First, we determined treat preference using a paired-stimulus preference assessment. Then, we randomly assigned cats (n=72) to one of six treatments that were provided daily. We collected urine from each cat before and during the experimental period. Prior to the trial, UCCR did not differ across conditions (p = .16). For control cats, UCCR increased across days in the study (p = .02). Cats in all other treatments exhibited smaller increases in UCCR over time relative to the control, indicating a benefit of enrichment regardless of type (p = .03). Our results suggest that providing feeding enrichment can lessen increases in UCCR across time, but variability in enrichment type and individual cats must be considered. Overall, this work highlights the need to tailor interventions to individuals to improve welfare in shelter cats.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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