We can apply our scientific understanding of cat behavior, cat learning, and cat-human interaction to promote the welfare of cats and their caregivers. We can also teach the next generation of cat caregivers about healthy human-cat relationships.
A cat greets an unfamiliar person by sniffing and then rubbing against their hand. Cats use scent as a way of understanding their world. In order to improve cat welfare we must consider scents and chemical cues throughout a cat’s environment. Does the cat have access to enough scratching and rubbing surfaces? How are these scent surfaces distributed throughout the cat’s home? Learn more at the publications below!
A shelter kitten participating in a youth program where kids learn about cat behavior, healthy human-cat interactions, and cat training. Early experiences with animals can help shape a person’s later attitudes about animals and animal welfare. It is key for children to have positive, educational experiences with animals in which they learn how to read and respond to animal behavior.
Kristyn Vitale has experience working with youth ages 6 – 17 years old. Interested in setting up a youth program related to cats?
Contact Kristyn at maueyes.catresearch [at] gmail.com
A pet cat participates in a behavioral test to explore their reaction to their owner’s shoe, a strongly scented object. Given the importance of scent in the lives of cats, researchers can explore whether certain scents have the potential to calm cats, especially during times of stress such as visits to the veterinarian or when moving homes.
Shelter cats have unique welfare concerns. Researchers can examine ways to apply science and improve the lives of shelter cats through the provisioning of enrichment and human interaction protocols.
Youth campers learn to teach kittens to go to a location, onto a mat or into a carrier.
Video: Clip from a kitten training camp offered for youth between the ages of 10-17 years old, offered by Kristyn Vitale and a local Humane Society.
Youth campers learn to teach kittens to run on a cat wheel.
Video: Clip from a kitten training camp offered for youth between the ages of 10-17 years old, offered by Kristyn Vitale and a local Humane Society.
Can participation in kitten training and socialization classes improve cat welfare?
Video: Video clips of kitten training and socialization classes for kittens aged 3-8 month old, offered by Kristyn Vitale and colleagues in the Human-Animal Interaction Lab.
Applying Science: Increasing the welfare of shelter cats
Proper socialization is key in the lives of cats.
Video: Recording of an event on cat socialization offered by Kristyn Vitale and Tabitha Kucera of Chirrups and Chatter.
Auditory Enrichment for Cats: Cat music
Video: Video from the YouTube channel Cole and Marmalade. Features cat music research by Snowdon et al. (2015) Cats prefer species-appropriate music, Applied Animal Behaviour Science. An example of how we can apply research findings to improve the lives of cats.
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