Guardians' Knowledge and Husbandry Practices of Feline Environmental Enrichment. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alho, Ana Margarida; Pontes, Joana; Pomba, Constança
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied animal welfare science. Volume 19:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Cat -- environmental enrichment -- questionnaire -- behavior -- welfare; Laboratory animals -- Periodicals; Animal welfare -- Periodicals; 636.0832
• DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2015.1117976
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1088-8705

Abstract

Abstract : Feline environmental enrichment can prevent numerous disorders including anxiety, stress, obesity, and feline idiopathic cystitis. Despite its easy implementation and low cost, it has received little attention. The main goal of this study was to assess guardians' knowledge concerning feline environmental enrichment and husbandry practices. A questionnaire was given to 130 companion animal guardians at the Lisbon Veterinary Faculty's Teaching Hospital. The applications of 22 environmental enrichment measures related to food/water, litter box, and space/entertainment areas were evaluated. The majority of the households studied (74.6%) had a moderately enriched environment. Hygiene-related measures were those most adopted by guardians, while those requiring guardians' commitment or previous awareness were the least implemented. A rating scale was proposed and applied to assess feline domestic environmental quality.