Frequently asked questions

Your cat will need to wear an activity monitor that will be attached to collar or harness. If your cat is not used to wearing a collar or harness, we can give you advise on how to get your cat used to a collar or harness.

If you would like to enrol your cat in this study, but your cat is not used to wearing a collar or harness, please train your cat before enrolling for this study. Not all cats are comfortable wearing a collar or harness and they will not get accustomed to them.

It is important that you get your cat used to the collar or harness gradually. You can find a training schedule here.

Some cats can be easily trained, but others may not be comfortable wearing a collar or harness and will not get accustomed to them. If your cat really does not like wearing a collar or harness, we strongly advise you to take it off and stop the training process.

To ensure the safety of your cat throughout the study, a cat quick release collar is required while your cat wears the activity monitor. These collars have a clasp that pops open easily when force is applied (see left figure below).

In the questionnaire you are asked if you own a cat safety collar. If you do not own a safety collar, one can be provided.

The activity monitor used in this study is the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT (see figure below). The activity monitor weighs 19 grams and measures 33 x 46 x 15 mm.

These monitors have been used in cats previously and had no effect on their movements. For comparison, the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT is depicted next to a Fitbit Versa 2 (38 gams, 40 x 40 x 12 mm)

The activity monitor or harness will be attached to a cat collar or harness, depending on what your cat is used to wearing. If your cat is used wearing a collar, the activity monitor will be worn under the neck (see left figure below). If your cat is used to wearing a harness, the activity monitor will rest on top of the left shoulder blade (see right figure below).

If your cat falls ill please take your cat to the veterinarian as normal. After you have visited the veterinarian, please inform us that your cat has taken ill. In consultation with you and based on your vet's diagnosis, we will determine whether your cat can continue to participate in this study.

It is important to note that you are free to withdraw from this study at any time.

You are free to withdraw from this study at any given time. If you want to withdraw, please send an email to m.smit@massey.ac.nz.