Abstract
Influence of feeding stimulus on exploratory behaviour of captive-housed domestic cats, Felis silvestris catus
Highlights
Exploratory behaviour is defined as a group of standard physical actions directed towards an unfamiliar or little-known object or environment (Berlyne, 1966)
This was determined by combining the parameter ‘handling food’ with the identity of the animals positioned in the central area of the study arena
The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding stimulus on exploratory behaviour in captive-housed domestic cats
Summary
Exploratory behaviour is defined as a group of standard physical actions directed towards an unfamiliar or little-known object or environment (Berlyne, 1966). This behaviour aids in the collection of information (Hughes, 1997) and allows individuals to optimize future reactions to similar events (Blanchard and Cañamero, 2006). The relationship between animal welfare and exploration was demonstrated in studies that noted reduced exploratory behaviour in stressful situations (Carlstead et al, 1993). Studies on environmental enrichment regarding zoo-housed wild felids, have used exploration as one of the main indicators of animal welfare (Carlstead et al, 1993; Shepherdson et al, 1998). We have a relatively full understanding of exploratory behaviour in rodents and primates, our understanding in felids remains incomplete (Machado and Genaro, 2010)
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