Category: CatSci Blog
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Supporting Kittens’ Learning Through Training and Socialization
Our research indicates that training and socialization support learning success in kittens. Kittens, aged 3–8 months old, who participated in a 6-week training and socialization class maintained their ability to learn a new task better than kittens who did not attend the class. These findings highlight how positive social experiences and training can support learning…
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Study Indicates Cats Can Be Effective Partners in Animal-Assisted Interventions for Youth
Our research suggests that cat training programs can benefit both children and their cats! Companion cats can be effective partners in animal-assisted interventions for youth with developmental disabilities. Children who participated in the program took greater responsibility for their cats, taught their cats more new behaviors, and spent more time walking with their cats. Children…
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Study Reveals How Context Shapes Human Perception of Cat Emotions
Our research suggests that context influences how people interpret cats’ emotions. Participants rated the same cat as happier when it was pictured indoors rather than outdoors. This work helps advance our understanding of the factors that shape how humans perceive cats. Because human beliefs can directly influence the cat care practices people choose to implement,…
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New Course Explores the Role of Scent in Cat Behavior and Social Relationships
Sniffing Out FriendshipThe importance of scent in cat social relationships Instructor Course created by Dr. Kristyn Vitale for Small-Paws Education. Dr. Vitale is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and an internationally recognized expert in cat behavior. About the Course From birth, kittens rely heavily on their sense of smell to interpret the world around…
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Free Virtual Travel Cat Event
I’m providing the keynote speech at the Travel Cat Summit on October 5th!