title: Development of the cat-owner relationship scale (CORS).
abstract: Characteristics of the human-animal bond can be influenced by both owner-related and pet-related factors, which likely differ between species. Three studies adapted the Monash Dog-Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS) to permit assessment of human-cat interactions as perceived by the cat's owner. In Study 1293 female cat owners completed a modified version of the MDORS, where 'dog' was replaced with 'cat' for all items. Responses were compared with a matched sample of female dog owners. A partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed systematic differences between cat and dog owners in the Dog (Cat)-Owner Interaction subscale (MDORS subscale 1), but not for Perceived Emotional Closeness or Perceived Costs (Subscales 2 and 3). Study 2 involved analysis of free-text descriptions of cat-owner interactions provided by 61 female cat owners. Text mining identified key words which were used to create additional questions for a new Cat-Owner Interaction subscale. In Study 3, the resulting cat-owner relationship scale (CORS) was tested in a group of 570 cat owners. The main psychometric properties of the scale, including internal consistency and factor structure, were evaluated. We propose that this scale can be used to accurately assess owner perceptions of their relationship with their cat. A modified scale, combining items from the CORS and MDORS (a C/DORS), is also provided for when researchers would find it desirable to compare human-cat and human-dog interactions.
authors.affiliation: Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, PO Box 199, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia. Electronic address: t.howell@latrobe.edu.au.
authors.forename: Tiffani J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.affiliation: Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK; Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: jbowen@rvc.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bowen
authors.affiliation: Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: jaume.fatjo@uab.cat.
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fatjó
authors.affiliation: Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: paula.calvo@uab.cat.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Calvo
authors.affiliation: Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: annavicholloway@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Holloway
authors.affiliation: Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, PO Box 199, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia. Electronic address: Pauleen.bennett@latrobe.edu.au.
authors.forename: Pauleen C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000523:psychology*; D004285:Dogs; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans
keywords: CORS; Cat; Dog; Human-animal bond; MDORS; Owner