Presentation Details
| Careful Cats: Can Understanding Behavior Keep our Cats Safe from Predators? Melinda Weaver1, Eric Strauss2. 1Arizona State Univeristy, Tempe, AZ, USA.2Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, USA |
Abstract
Dog behavior is widely studied, but cat behavior is not nearly as well studied or understood. However, given that cats are often allowed outdoors unsupervised, understanding cat behavior may be much more important because it could be life-saving. Nearly 60% of interactions between cats and coyotes end in cat death, but patterns emerge: those cats that are able to fight the coyote rather than run are more likely to survive. Learning more about cat behavior could help us provide assessments to owners about how their behavior may affect their ability to survive as an indoor-outdoor behavior. While many owners believe that their cats want to be outside, cat behavior indicates that some cats actually prefer to be indoors. This study will look at several key personality dimensions that are well-understood for many animals: exploration, sociability, boldness, and affinity for humans, while also recording stress levels during these tests. We will also observe outdoor activity patterns. In sum, this will allow humans to understand their cat’s behavior in a way that will allow them to provide a stimulating environment tailored to their individual cat while still keeping them safe from harm.
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.
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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