Study explained

Aim of this study

The aim of this study is to gain insights into the behaviour of domestic cats in their home environment. There are many factors that can influence the behaviour of a cat, including housing. For this study, we are looking for cats that are housed indoors, outdoors or a combination of both. A previous study has shown that temperature influences the physical activity of cats. Because physical activity is used to predict behaviour in this study, we believe their behaviour also changes with season/throughout the year. We are therefore looking for cat owners that are available in both the summer and winter. 

This study will take place in New Zealand

Housing/Lifestyle

We are looking for cats that are housed:

• Indoors

• Indoors with outdoor access

• Outdoors

Can my cat participate in this study?

Your cat can participate in this study if they are:

• Aged between 1 and 10 years

• Used to wearing a collar or harness OR can be trained to wear a collar or harness

• Easy to handle

What do I need to do?

• Your cat is available to wear an automated activity monitor for two weeks in summer (December - February 2022) and winter (June-August 2023).

• Get your cat used to wearing the activity monitor (this will take 6 days, starting with 2 hours of full supervised wear time and building up to 24 hours of partly supervised wear time)

• Available for a total of four appointments at your house:

  1. At the start of the first period (Summer) to drop off the activity monitor and to explain how to get your cat used to wearing the monitor

  2. At the end of the first period (Summer) to collect the activity monitor

  3. At the start of the second period (Winter) to drop off the activity monitor and to refresh your memory on how to get your cat used to wearing the monitor

  4. At the end of the second period (Winter) to collect the activity monitor

What can I get out this study?

At the end of the study, you will receive a physical activity and behaviour profile of your cat. You will be able to tell how many hours your cat spends sleeping or exploring. In addition to receiving a physical activity and behaviour profile of your cat, you will also receive a summary of the study results.

Note: Any research data gathered and published will be completely anonymised. 

How can I enrol for this study?

It is no longer possible to enrol for the study.