Little is known about the social behavior of cats living in group housing at shelters. In a series of studies, Dr. Malini Suchak and her research team at Canisius University recorded all the social behavior occurring between cats living in group housing and compared cats who were introduced at the shelter versus those who were surrendered together. They then followed up by specifically examining social behavior between cats who were labeled as bonded pairs or adopted together. Cats who were labeled as bonded pairs had a longer time to adoption, but the relationship between this designation and social behavior was weak. Recommendations will be provided for identifying bonded pairs.
Attendees will learn to:
1. Identify positive social (prosocial, affiliative) behavior in cats
2. Understand that being surrendered together is not adequate evidence for bonding
3. Recognize the link between behavior and social bonding in cats
These one-hour webinars will be recorded and have been pre-approved for 1.0 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and by the National Animal Care & Control Association.
These webcasts have also been submitted for approval for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval.
Source: Chew On This
