Conditioning laboratory cats to handling and transport.
As research subjects, cats have contributed substantially to our understanding of biological systems, from the development of mammalian visual pathways to the pathophysiology of feline immunodeficiency virus as a model for human immunodeficiency virus. Few studies have evaluated humane methods for managing cats in laboratory animal facilities, however, in order to reduce fear responses and improve their welfare. The authors describe a behavioral protocol used in their laboratory to condition cats to handling and transport. Such behavioral conditioning benefits the welfare of the cats, the safety of animal technicians and the quality of feline research data.
Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC.
Margaret E
ME
Gruen
Andrea E
AE
Thomson
Gillian P
GP
Clary
Alexandra K
AK
Hamilton
Lola C
LC
Hudson
Rick B
RB
Meeker
Barbara L
BL
Sherman
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000502:physiology*; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D006234:Handling, Psychological; D006799:Housing, Animal; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013997:Time Factors; D014186:Transportation