Inside the ASPCA's Animal Behavior Research
What if understanding the intricate dance between human psychology and animal behavior could transform how we care for our pets? Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Maya Gupta and Dr. Miranda K. Workman from the ASPCA's Applied Behavior Research and Animal Welfare Team. Dr. Gupta shares her compelling journey from clinical psychology to animal welfare, sparked by a poignant encounter with domestic violence and animal cruelty. Meanwhile, Dr. Workman delves into her extensive background in sheltering and applied animal behavior, anthrozoology, and her critical research on multi-species families.
Ever wondered why some cats get adopted faster than others? Miranda's fascinating study on Petfinder reveals the subtle yet powerful factors that influence cat adoption success, such as the cat's age, gender, and even the presence of toys in photos. Our guests also shed light on innovative approaches to understanding dog-cat interactions in shelters, using mechanical cats and olfactory cues to better assess compatibility. We discuss the challenges in animal welfare research, including financial barriers and the crucial role of open access publications in democratizing knowledge.
Language shapes perceptions and, ultimately, the fate of animals. We explore the transformative power of terms like "community cats" over "feral" and how these shifts can positively impact animal welfare. Our conversation touches upon common behavioral issues in cats, such as house-soiling and shyness, and the importance of addressing these to prevent owner surrenders. You'll also hear about the promising research into cooperative care for cat grooming and the use of pharmacological aids to improve feline well-being. Don't miss the valuable insights from Dr. Gupta and Dr. Workman as they help us build a more compassionate world for our animal companions.
Takeaways
Research is a critical tool in understanding and improving animal welfare.
The ASPCA values and promotes research to inform and influence animal welfare practices.
There is a need for more research on cats and their behavior.
Funding and publishing in the animal welfare research space can be challenging.
Open access publishing and science communication are important for making research accessible to a wider audience. Representing cats accurately on adoption platforms can improve their chances of adoption
Dogs pay attention to olfactory cues and can be trained to be cat-friendly
House soiling is a common reason for cat surrender and adoption challenges
A step-by-step protocol for nail trims can reduce stress for cats and humans
Cooperative care during nail trims can improve welfare and be incorporated into enrichment programs Cats are amazing teachers of consent, and it is important to ask for consent when handling them.
Desensitization and counter conditioning techniques can be used to help cats accept nail trims and other grooming procedures.
Psychopharmacological interventions, such as trazodone and gabapentin, can be used to reduce stress in cats during veterinary visits or grooming sessions.
The feline spectrum assessment helps identify social behaviors in cats and can be used to understand their comfort level with human interaction.
Using the term 'community cats' instead of 'feral cats' helps reduce stigma and promotes a more inclusive approach to cat welfare.
Fee-waived adoption programs have been successful in improving outcomes for shelter cats and increasing their chances of finding homes.
Changing the flavor of a cat's food can disrupt their routine, especially if it involves a different protein source.
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