Factors influencing stress and fear-related behaviour of cats during veterinary examinations

Abstract

This study documented behaviour of cats during veterinary examinations investigating possible associations between their behaviour and age, gender, temperament, clinical parameters and familiarity with pet carriers, car rides and veterinary clinics. Background information (i.e. temperament and familiarity with pet carriers, car rides and veterinary clinics), signalment, clinical parameters and behaviour were recorded for 95 cats during a veterinary examination. Their behaviour was analysed and a behavioural profile was attributed (alert, anxious, frightened, irritated, agonistic). Aggressive cats tended to exhibit more scratching/attempt to scratch and hard stare behaviour. Half of the cats vocalised and cats vocalised more when they were not familiar with pet carriers (p = .010) and car rides (p = .005). Heart rate was higher than normal and was positively associated with mydriasis (p = .018) shown by the 85% of the cats. Males vocalised more than females (p = .007) who also had a lower total behavioural score (p = .002). Age was associated with the behaviour profile: young cats fell in the anxious profile, and were more likely to try to escape, and elderly cats exhibited a frightened and irritated profile and were more likely to show scratching, tail lashing and piloerection (all p < .05). Whilst cats first experiencing a veterinary examination attempted to escape more, those that were not familiar with car rides had higher behavioural scores (p = .05). Overall, veterinary examination was confirmed to be a stressful situation for cats in particular for those not familiar with pet carriers and car rides. HIGHLIGHTS Cats’ physiological and behavioural responses during veterinary examinations were documented. Young cats were more anxious, while elderly cats were irritated and showed more scratching, tail lashing and piloerection. Cats not familiar with car rides and veterinary clinics showed more vocalisation, hissing, ears flat back and escape attempts.