Focus Group on Feline Behaviour

Friskies brand cat food finally answers an age-old question that many cat owners have: What does my cat do when I am not at home?


The pet food company recently announced the results of a first-of-its-kind "focus group" that reveal there's more to life than a cat nap for our feline friends! Friskies had 50 roving "repurrters" to go on the job to reveal the magical world of cats through examining their sensory experiences in their home environments.

In the cat "focus group," cats from across the United States wore tiny digital cat-cams that took pictures of their surroundings every 15 minutes. The resulting photographs uncovered where cats go, what they do, and specifically, what they experience when their owners aren't home.

Purina animal behavior scientist, Jill Villarreal, Ph.D., analyzed the photos to determine what they revealed about the playful days and sensory experiences of cats when they are home alone. "Many people under-estimate the richness and sensory stimulation the home environment provides for our cats," said. Dr. Villarreal. "The photos shed light on the home from the cat's point-of-view and, for the first time, we can better understand what gets our cats' attention and provides them with opportunities for play and adventure when we are away.

According to Dr. Villarreal, cats of all ages need play time to help maintain a healthy body weight and keep their minds active. Through their photos, they gave us a personal look at their social lives by stalking playmates and toys, climbing on structures and exploring their home.

Other key findings include:

• Several cats took pictures of computer and television screens. This is likely due to the cat's natural prey instinct to focus in on moving objects.
• The cats' photos revealed that screened-in porches are a rich oasis filled with sensory stimulation. This includes sights, sounds, textures, and smells with grassy patches and non-toxic plants that provide tactile (touch) and olfactory (smell) stimulation for the cats.
• The photos also showed that cats were greatly interested in water, be it in the sink, bathtub, or swimming pool. This may seem counter intuitive, as it is commonly believed that cats dislike water. However, these photos reveal that cats like water, but on their own terms.

View the full report in the Scratchington Post!

Two Rats... HomeSafe with a Cat!

The cat is this video obviously never went to "mouser" school! He's not lost... but he has found a couple of pretty unusual companions! This is proof positive the love and acceptance is not species specific. Enjoy!

Post-Summer Seperation Anxiety

The end of summer can be tough for dogs and cats

SAN ANTONIO, TX /PRNewswire/ Fall 2009 - Back to school time creates a dramatic shift in family schedules, which can have a devastating impact on companion animals that have spent more time with their owners over the summer vacation season. PurinaCare(R) Pet Health Insurance is urging all pet owners to be aware of the signs of post-summer separation anxiety in both dogs and cats.

Signs of Post-Summer Separation Anxiety include:

• Hyper-salivation or drooling.
• Soiling the pet owner's belongings.
• Chewing or scratching at doors or crate.
• Non-stop howling, barking, meowing.
• Compulsive grooming or licking.
• Tearing up furniture or pushing items off counters.

"Dogs are naturally social animals and are especially sensitive to loneliness this time of year. The family fills the role of 'the pack' and in their absence; dogs can feel abandoned and become quite destructive," says Dr. Bill Craig, DVM, Chief Medical and Underwriting Director of PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance. "Teaching dogs that their owners will return and the 'pack' will be reunited is the key to alleviating the stress of post-summer separation anxiety."

Ensure your pets are HomeSafe by preparing your Pet for Post-Summer Routines:

• Wean them into new post-summer schedule. Give positive reinforcement with praise and treats for appropriate behavior.
• Resume normal leash/walking schedules.
• Take the drama out of leaving - grab your coat and keys at times when you are not leaving so your pet doesn't connect the action with being left alone.
• Create a pet safe haven - a well-lit area where the family "pack" normally gathers, keep the TV or radio running, leave plenty of toys and safe clothing/items with family scents on them
• Don't punish bad behavior related to anxiety; it will only reinforce the stress
• For pets with severe stress, medications are available. They will rarely work alone without a behavior modification regimen. A veterinarian must prescribe these drugs