New Research: Shelter Cat Foster Program Outcomes

Our new research indicates that adult shelter cats are not at a disadvantage when placed in the home of a foster caregiver for either 1-night or 1-week. Cats were likely to be highly social at both the shelter and foster home and cats did not display increased fear or stress in the foster home. These results support the idea that adult shelter cats can be placed into foster homes with little welfare concern. This research was made possible by a grant from Maddie’s Fund®, #ThanksToMaddie.

 

Full-text available at the link below!

Vitale, K. R., Frank, D. H., Conroy, J., & Udell, M. A. R. (2022). Cat Foster Program Outcomes: Behavior, Stress, and Cat–Human Interaction. Animals, 12(17), 2166.

Upcoming Documentary: Inside the Mind of a Cat

My research will be featured in an upcoming documentary called Inside the Mind of a Cat. The trailer is now available! The documentary will be released August 18th on Netflix. It is produced by Red Rock Films. The work of Dr. Saho Takagi, which I have posted about previously, will also be featured in the documentary. If you are interested in the current state of cat research then make sure to check out this film!

 

Learn more at the links below!

Trailer for Inside the Mind of a Cat 

 Learn more about Red Rock Films Here 

 

New Research: Cats Recognize their Companion Cats’ Names and Faces!

New research published in the journal Scientific Reports has found that cats recognize the names of companion cats in the same household and can match their companions’ names up with their faces!

Learn more at the links below!

Takagi et al. (2022). Cats learn the names of their friend cats in their daily lives. Scientific Reports.

Cats can understand feline roommates’ names, recognize faces: Japanese study. The Mainichi. 

 

 

Free Presentations Exploring the Cat-Human Relationship

The Animal Behavior Society Applied Animal Behavior group just hosted a Public Day event entitled Building Relationships with our Animals.


Below are the two cat related presentations from the event. A full list of the talks along with the presentation videos are available here! 

Cat Related Events:

  • Cats can be social too! Understanding and supporting the human-cat bond, Monique A. R. Udell, PhD, CAAB.

  • Using science to build a better relationship with your cat, Mikel Maria Delgado, PhD, CAAB, CCBC.

    • Watch as Dr. Delgado of Feline Minds discusses ways to increase positive interactions with your cat to build a stronger relationship. 

 

New Podcast Interview: Feline Behavior Myth Busting

I was recently featured on the Morris Animal Foundation Fresh Scoop Podcast. Listen as we discuss feline behavior and myths surrounding cat sociability and training. Full podcast and transcript available here!