Factors associated with behavior problems in cats

ABSTRACT:

Behavioral problems have importance not only in animal welfare and the quality of human-animal relationship, but also in public health. Behavior problems are a major reason of abandonment and subsequently the fate of these animals are shelters or even euthanasia. Furthermore, the aggressiveness is a risk factor for zoonoses transmission. In order to assess the frequency of factors related to behavior problems, information from 229 cats were collected through a questionnaire applied to tutors awaiting for care in clinics in Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (HCV-UFRGS). Among the behaviors scratch furniture was the most common problem (65.1% - CI_95%: 58.5 to 71.4%), followed by aggressiveness (61.3% - CI_95%: 54.2 to 67, 1%), inappropriate elimination (37.1% - 9 CI_95%: 31.3 to 42.1%) and excessive vocalization (23.6% - CI_95%: 20.1 to 29.8%). Data were analyzed by logistic regression with a logit link function. Univariate analysis identified the presence of scratching as significant protective factor, that may contribute to the reduction of scratching furniture (Relative risk [RR] = 0.31- CI_95%: 0:19 to 0:53). Females and frightened cats were identified as having more difficulty were for friendly relationship with other cats RR = 3.56 (CI_95%: 1.78-7.11), RR = 2.84 (95% CI: 1.60-5.04) respectively; also the higher the number of cats in a residence, the greater the chance for inappropriate elimination. Neutered cats before puberty had less chance of developing inappropriate elimination RR = 0:43 (CI_95%: 0.21-0.88), and finally, excessive vocalization was related to obtain tutor attention RR = 2.62 (CI_95%: 1:54 to 4:45). The results of this study may help prevent behavioral problems in domestic cats.

INDEX TERMS:
Cats; aggression; inappropriate elimination; scratching; behavioral problems