Search Results (43)

Behavior-related factors represent a major cause of cat relinquishment to shelters, highlighting the need for reliable tools to support appropriate matching between cats and adopters. The present study applied the ASPCA^® Meet Your Match^® Feline-ality™ assessment to evaluate personality profiles of shelter cats and to examine factors associated with variation in personality expression across shelters. A total of 113 cats housed in six shelters in the south of France were assessed using a standardized behavioral protocol. Differences between shelters were evaluated using one-way ANOVA for behavioral scale scores, while associations between personality type and shelter affiliation, sex, coat color, and age were analyzed using χ² tests of independence. Significant differences between shelters were observed for the majority of behavioral assessment items, as well as for composite valiance and independent–gregarious scale scores. Shelter affiliation was significantly associated with the distribution of Feline-ality™ personality types, indicating that personality profiles were not uniformly distributed across shelters. No statistically detectable association was found between personality type and sex. In contrast, significant associations were observed between personality type and both coat color category and age category, suggesting non-random variation in personality distribution across these factors. These findings indicate that shelter-related and individual factors are associated with variation in feline personality expression. While causal relationships cannot be inferred, the results underscore the importance of considering environmental context and population characteristics when interpreting shelter-based behavioral assessments. The Feline-ality™ framework appears to be a useful tool for characterizing personality variation in shelter cats and may support improved adoption matching when applied with appropriate caution. Full article

Recently, human–robot interaction (HRI) with social robots has attracted significant attention. Among them, companion robots, which exhibit pet-like behaviors and interact with people primarily through non-verbal means, particularly require the generation of appropriate gestures. This paper presents the design and implementation of a companion cat robot, named PEPE, with a large language model (LLM)-based hierarchical emotional motion generation method. To design the cat-like companion robot, an analysis of feline emotional behaviors was conducted to identify the body parts and motions essential for effective emotional expression. Based on this analysis, the required degrees of freedom (DoFs) and structural configuration for PEPE were derived. To generate expressive gestures efficiently and reliably, a hierarchical LLM-based emotional motion generation method was proposed. The process defines the robot’s structural features, establishes a gesture generation code format, and incorporates emotion-based guidelines grounded in feline behavioral analysis to mitigate LLM hallucination and ensure physical feasibility. The proposed method was implemented on the physical robot, and eight emotional gestures were generated—Happy, Angry, Sad, Fearful, Joyful, Excited, Positive Feedback, and Negative Feedback. A user study with 15 participants was conducted to validate the system. The high-arousal gestures—Angry, Joyful, and Excited—were rated significantly above the neutral clarity threshold (p < 0.05), demonstrating clear user recognition. Meanwhile, low-arousal gestures exhibited neutral-level perceptions consistent with their subtle motion profiles. These results confirm that the proposed LLM-based framework effectively generates expressive, physically executable gestures for a companion robot. Full article

Cat cafés are gaining popularity worldwide, yet little is known about their impact on feline welfare. This study examined a Swedish cat café from an animal perspective by assessing space use, cat–cat interactions, and cat–human interactions. A total of 27 neutered domestic cats (12 males, 15 females), with a median stay of 8 weeks, were directly observed in groups of 8–9 individuals for a total of 227 h over 70 days. Scan sampling and focal observations were conducted without prior knowledge of cat background to minimize bias. Results showed that elevated structures (χ²-goodness-of-fit test, χ² (2) = 1234.2, p < 0.001, post hoc Bonferroni correction p_adj = 0.013) were important, particularly during periods of high customer occupancy, when cats preferred vertical levels or cat-only rooms. Cat–cat interactions were infrequent (0.58 interactions/cat/h) and mostly affiliative (51.9%), consistent with avoidance as a conflict-reduction strategy. Cat–human interactions were absent in 44.4% of the observation time. Cats varied in their responses to human presence, from engaging to avoiding. Findings suggest that cat cafés should provide complex vertical environments, hiding places, and private areas to support natural behaviors, reduce stress, and promote group stability. As cats come into contact with large numbers of visitors prior to adoption, further research should assess its long-term effects on cat–human relationships and optimize café design to balance cat welfare and visitor experience. Full article

Gabapentin is a drug frequently used in veterinary medicine because of its recognized analgesic, sedative, and behavioral properties. In recent years, its use has become particularly important in feline medicine. The clinical examination of a cat can be challenging due to various factors, such as patient compliance or inadequate handling techniques employed by veterinary staff, which can lead to fear-based aggressive behavior in cats. A systematic review based on the PRISMA statement was conducted from March to September 2024. Out of 543 articles, only 20 were included in the review. The objective of the systematic review was to describe the impact of gabapentin on sedation, anxiety, behavioral modification, pain, and cardiovascular function in feline patients during veterinary appointments. Gabapentin’s effects may be dose-dependent, though a specific dosage is not available. Administering gabapentin with wet or dry food is suggested. Furthermore, gabapentin has positive behavioral, analgesic, and sedative effects, ensuring an anxiolytic effect without altering any cardiovascular, echocardiographic, or hemodynamic aspects. Full article

Due to their zoonotic potential and close interaction with humans, feline parasitic infections are an important public health concern. This study investigated 2758 domiciled and feral cats sampled across Mexico to assess the occurrence of parasites, coinfections, and associated risk factors. Twelve genera of parasites were identified, with Ancylostoma and Ctenocephalides being the most frequent. Coinfections were common, often involving both intestinal and ectoparasites. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that feral lifestyle, absence of recent antiparasitic treatment, female sex, and climatic conditions were significant predictors of infection. Cats with unrestricted outdoor access and direct contact with other cats, where hunting behavior and the ingestion of prey cannot be ruled out (ESCCAP risk group B), were more than five times as likely to be infected as those cats that live indoors (ESCCAP risk group A). Although antiparasitic use was reported in some cats, inappropriate drug choice and long treatment intervals reduced effectiveness, while nearly seven out of ten cats had never received treatment. These findings highlight major gaps between current practices in Mexico and international guidelines. Strengthening surveillance, promoting owner education, and implementing risk-based strategies are critical to reducing feline parasitism and associated zoonotic risks within a One Health framework. Full article

Despite the growing preference for cats as companion animals, beliefs and misperceptions about them are still common. Cultural and sociodemographic aspects can influence society’s attitudes towards cats, affecting the way they are kept and cared for and, consequently, their welfare. This narrative review aimed to identify and categorize beliefs and misconceptions about domestic cats commonly described in the scientific literature, particularly those related to behavior, sociality, health, and management, in order to foster critical thinking about these perceptions. Our bibliographic search included three electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus). This review highlights a set of recurrent beliefs of general society reported by the scientific literature, such as the perception of cats as independent and non-social animals, bringers of bad luck, incapable of forming emotional bonds with their guardians, or in need of outdoor access to thrive. Although widespread, many of these beliefs lack empirical support. Identifying and fostering critical reflection on such beliefs can contribute to deconstructing them, improving the guardian–cat relationship and enhancing the welfare of both cats and humans. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an increasingly prevalent endocrine disorder affecting humans and companion animals. Type 1 DM (T1DM) and type 2 DM (T2DM) are well characterized in humans, and canine DM most often resembles T1DM, marked by insulin dependence and β-cell destruction. Conversely, feline DM shares key features with human T2DM, including insulin resistance, obesity-related inflammation, and islet amyloidosis. This review provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of antidiabetic therapies in humans, dogs, and cats, focusing on three core areas: disease pathophysiology, pharmacological and delivery strategies, and translational implications. In human medicine, a wide array of insulin analogs, oral hypoglycemic agents, and incretin-based therapies, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (liraglutide) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (empagliflozin), are available. Veterinary treatments remain limited to species-adapted insulin formulations and off-label use of human drugs. Interspecies differences in gastrointestinal physiology, drug metabolism, and behavioral compliance influence therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetics. Recent innovations, such as microneedle patches for insulin delivery and continuous glucose monitoring systems, show promise in humans and animals. Companion animals with naturally occurring diabetes serve as valuable models for preclinical testing of novel delivery platforms and long-acting formulations under real-world settings. While these technologies show potential, challenges remain in regulatory approval and behavioral adaptation in animals. Conclusions: Future research should prioritize pharmacokinetic bridging studies, veterinary-specific formulation trials, and device validation in animal models. By highlighting shared and species-specific characteristics of DM pathogenesis and treatment, this review advocates a One Health approach toward optimized antidiabetic therapies that benefit human and veterinary medicine. Full article

Palatability is a critical determinant of pet food performance, directly influencing voluntary intake, nutrient utilization, and therapeutic efficacy. In this systematic review, we examine peer-reviewed research publications, patent filings, and commercial product data pertaining to palatant technologies in dry and wet pet food from 2014 to 2024. Major palatant classes—including fats, proteins, yeast extracts, and novel plant-derived or insect-based hydrolysates—are evaluated for their physicochemical properties, flavor-release mechanisms, and stability during processing. We analyze formulation techniques such as microencapsulation, Maillard-reaction enhancement, and multilayer coating systems, focusing on their impact on aromatic compound retention and palatability consistency. Patent landscape assessment identifies over 15 key innovations in delivery systems, life-stage-specific palatant modulation, and dual-phase release architectures. Dual-phase release architectures are defined as systems that deliver active compounds in two sequential phases, such as immediate and sustained release. Sensory evaluation methodologies—ranging from multivariate preference mapping to descriptive analysis—are critically appraised to correlate human-panel metrics with canine and feline feeding behavior. We also discuss strategic integration of palatants at different processing stages (pre-conditioning, extrusion, and post-extrusion) and the challenges of balancing taste masking with nutritional requirements, particularly in formulations containing alternative proteins for sustainability. Despite rapid market growth in functional palatant-infused products, peer-reviewed literature remains relatively limited, suggesting opportunities for further research on species-specific flavor drivers, synbiotic flavor–nutrient interactions, and novel delivery platforms. This comprehensive overview of palatant science, patent innovations, and market evolution provides evidence-based guidance for researchers, formulators, and veterinarians seeking to optimize organoleptic properties and consumer acceptance of next-generation pet foods. Full article

As the body of knowledge on feline mammary tumors (FMTs) continues to grow, their histological classification and grading systems have undergone revisions and updates to better reflect the biological behavior of these tumors. In this review, the historical evolution of these frameworks is traced and later revisited in the context of their prognostic relevance. Numerous studies have investigated clinicopathological prognostic factors in feline mammary carcinomas (FMCs); however, the heterogeneity in assessment methods, inclusion criteria for survival analysis, and the clinical endpoints considered can often complicate direct comparisons across different studies and may contribute to seemingly conflicting results. Furthermore, the small cohort size of many studies limits the robustness and transferability of their findings. This paper provides an updated overview of the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological prognostic factors of these tumors, while also highlighting current challenges, methodological limitations, and areas for future improvement. Full article

Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) exhibits aggressive behavior, with limited treatment options. Given the relevance of the PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2 axis in human breast cancer immunotherapy, this study assessed PD-1 and its ligands in rare FMC histotypes (n = 48) using immunohistochemistry on tumor cells (TCs), intratumoral lymphocytes (iTILs), and stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs). PD-1 was expressed in 13% of TCs, 85% of iTILs, and 94% of sTILs, while PD-L1 was observed in 46% of TCs, 96% of iTILs, and 100% of sTILs. PD-L2 was expressed in 79% of TCs and 100% of both iTILs and sTILs, with PD-L1/PD-L2 co-expression in 42% of TCs. Higher PD-1 IHC scores in TCs were associated with a less aggressive biological behavior; PD-L1 in iTILs was linked to skin ulceration, whereas PD-L2 in TCs was associated with its absence. Our findings highlight the relevance of the PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2 immune checkpoint in rare FMC subtypes and support further investigation into checkpoint-blockade therapies. Full article

This paper presents a detailed imaging-based approach to the diagnosis and evaluation of suspected ischemic stroke in a cat. The study describes a 12-year-old cat presented to our clinic with symptoms such as wheezing and inspiratory dyspnea, but without neurological or behavioral abnormalities. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head revealed rhinitis, cerebral atrophy, and hypodense lesions in the right frontal and parietal brain regions, primarily supplied by the middle and rostral cerebral arteries. The lesion distribution, combined with cerebral atrophy and nonspecific clinical presentation, supported a provisional diagnosis of ischemic stroke. This case underscores the value of advanced imaging techniques in detecting incidental cerebrovascular events in feline patients, where initial respiratory symptoms, rather than overt neurological deficits, prompted investigation. Full article

This study used hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and the Feline Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire as indicators of chronic stress status and behavioral changes in cats, respectively. Few studies have simultaneously employed both indices to examine cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate HCC and questionnaire data from control group cats (n = 21) and those with CKD (n = 21). Additionally, we investigated the correlation between HCC and living environment. For this study, hair samples were collected from the cats’ abdomens and analyzed for HCC. Owners completed questionnaires to provide information on their cats’ behavior, demographics, environmental factors, and household characteristics over 3 months. Cats in the late-stage CKD group had significantly higher HCC levels than those in the early-stage CKD and control groups. We observed different associations between behavioral patterns, living environments, and HCC depending on the stage of CKD progression. The consistency between the HCC findings and questionnaire results, including the higher HCC levels in the late-stage CKD group and behavioral changes in the CKD group, suggests the possibility of a complex interaction between CKD progression and chronic stress. Full article

The high recurrence rate of feline meningioma despite the generally benign histomorphology warrants additional markers of clinical aggressiveness. The Ki-67 index is commonly used as prognostic marker for meningioma recurrence in people. Osteopontin (OPN) is a protein involved in tumor progression and may be a potential malignancy marker. To date, osteopontin expression has not been investigated in feline meningioma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of Ki-67 and osteopontin immunostaining of feline meningioma and to find possible associations with WHO (World Health Organization) grades and subtypes. Fifty-three feline meningioma samples were graded according to the human WHO classification and underwent immunohistochemical examination for Ki-67 and OPN. Fifty samples were classified as WHO grade I and three as WHO grade II. The mean Ki-67 ratio was 9.19 ± 9.47. Osteopontin expression was correspondingly high with a mean OPN IHC score of 150.17 (0–242.8), and a median Allred score of 7 (0–8). There was no significant correlation with Ki-67 index, osteopontin expression, WHO grades, or subtypes. The overall high expressions of osteopontin and Ki-67 may help explain the tendency for recurrence of feline meningioma. The human WHO grading system may not be sufficient to accurately estimate the clinical behavior of meningioma in this species. Full article

Feline cancer is increasingly recognized as a major cause of mortality, yet data on tumor prevalence and behavior in cats, particularly in non-Western regions, remain limited. This study analyzed a decade of feline tumor data in Korea from 2012 to 2022, focusing on age, breed, and anatomical location as predictors of malignancy. Data were collected from 683 cats, with regression analysis applied to determine significant associations. Older cats exhibited a markedly higher risk of malignancy, particularly in mast cell and mammary tumors. Tumors in the mammary gland and alimentary tract had malignancy rates exceeding 90%, underscoring the need for early detection in these regions. Interestingly, squamous cell carcinoma was rare in the skin, in stark contrast to Western studies, likely reflecting differences in environmental exposure. While breed was not a statistically significant predictor, certain breeds, including Persians and Russian Blues, showed a higher frequency of malignancy. These findings highlight the importance of regional tumor research in cats and the need for larger, multicenter datasets that incorporate environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these influences will help refine veterinary care and improve cancer treatment outcomes in feline populations. Full article

The Güiña (Leopardus guigna), the smallest Neotropical feline, inhabits central and southern Chile and western Argentina. This communication reports the first documented instance of a güiña swimming in a marine environment, observed in the Refugio Channel, which separates Refugio Island from the mainland in Northern Patagonia, Chile. In April 2023, a local resident recorded video footage of a güiña swimming near the eastern shore of the channel, emerging from the water, shaking off, and climbing a tree to groom itself. This observation suggests that the güiña might use the seacoast when searching for food, particularly during periods of low terrestrial prey availability during the winter. The ability of the güiña to adapt to such environments underscores the species’ ecological flexibility, previously undocumented in this context, and highlights the need for integrating marine resources into the species’ conservation strategies. The video’s quality is limited due to the simplicity of the recording device, but it provides crucial visual evidence of this behavior. Full article