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Clicker training increases exploratory behaviour and time spent at the front of the enclosure in shelter cats; Implications for welfare and adoption rates

Grant, R. and Warrior, J. (2019) Clicker training increases exploratory behaviour and time spent at the front of the enclosure in shelter cats; Implications for welfare and adoption rates. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 211, pp. 77-83. 0168-1591.

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Grant_Warrior_AABS_2018_Clicker_training_increases_exploratory_behaviour_and_time_spent_at_the_front_of_the_enclosure_in_shelter_cats
Grant_Warrior_AABS_2018_Clicker_training_increases_exploratory_behaviour_and_time_spent_at_the_front_of_the_enclosure_in_shelter_cats.pdf - Accepted Version
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Abstract:
The rescue shelter environment is known to be stressful for domestic cats, which can lead to them becoming less active, playful and exploratory as well as spending a long time hiding. Early adoption can prevent long term stress in shelter cats, but adopters often look at behaviour and friendliness as criteria when choosing a cat to rehome. This study aimed to test the efficacy of a clicker training intervention to promote behaviours indicative of improved welfare and increase the potential adoptability of cats in rescue shelters. Twelve cats were clicker trained over two weeks their behaviour and response to humans was recorded before and after the training schedule. Cats showed significantly more exploratory behaviour, a decrease in inactivity and spent more time at the front of their enclosures after training. Four of the cats which failed the human approach test initially, passed it after training but this result was nonsignificant. Clicker training may be a simple and rapid way to improve welfare and adoptability in rescue cats.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100
Creators:
Grant, R. and Warrior, J.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
?? ASFYR ??
Date:
February 2019
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 77-83
Journal or Publication Title:
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Volume:
211
Number of Pages:
7
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1016/j.applanim.2018.12.002
ISSN:
0168-1591
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
Related URLs:
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