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Year 2017 - Volume 37, Number 11
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Factors associated with behavior problems in cats, 37(11):1336-1340
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ABSTRACT.- Paz J.E.G., Machado G. & Costa F.V.A. 2017. [Factors associated with behavior problems in cats.] Fatores relacionados a problemas de comportamento em gatos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 37(11):1336-1340. Departamento de Medicina Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: fernanda.amorim@ufrgs.br
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% - CI95%: 58.5 to 71.4%), followed by aggressiveness (61.3% - CI95%: 54.2 to 67, 1%), inappropriate elimination (37.1% - 9 CI95%: 31.3 to 42.1%) and excessive vocalization (23.6% - CI95%: 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- CI95%: 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 (CI95%: 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 (CI95%: 0.21-0.88), and finally, excessive vocalization was related to obtain tutor attention RR = 2.62 (CI95%: 1:54 to 4:45). The results of this study may help prevent behavioral problems in domestic cats. |
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