Habituation process in captive domestic cats

Abstract

Studies involving domestic cats are performed without prior habituation between the researcher and the animals. This situation is not ideal, because the stress generated by the presence of an unknown person can adversely affect the results of the study and, more importantly, reduce the level of welfare of animals involved. There are not formal papers outlining a model of habituation in this context. Thus, this study evaluated the habituation process of adult cats in captivity, during interaction with humans, suggesting a sequence of tests that minimize negative interference of this interaction in future situations. Three tests lasting four days each one were prepared based on flight distance, behavioral responses of animals in the constant presence of the experimenter and offering food stimulation. The avoidance behaviors exhibited high display and surveillance and the reduction of these might indicate habituation to human presence. The motivation to avoid contact with the experimenter was often higher than the motivation to obtain food, showing the aversion that the researcher can represent for some animals. In this work, we found that there are animals that adopt the escape strategy to move away from the experimenter, there are those who tolerate their approach and animals that in addition to tolerate it, exhibit spontaneous approach. Habituation may occur in the constant presence of the researcher, especially for those animals that do not display flight. Providing food stimulus, the habituation process can be easier.