Stroking could be stressful for cats
A research team looking into the stress levels of cats living alongside humans and other felines have found that whilst cats can live happily in groups, being stroked by humans could be a source of stress.
Researchers from the UK's University of Lincoln, the University of Sao Paulo, in Brazil, and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Austria, collaborated on the study to better understand how cats cope with their owners and groups of cats.
Presenting the findings to an international audience in Portugal last month, the team said their research suggested that despite their reputation as solitary creatures, cats could live happily in groups, and that the number of cats is not necessarily a problem.
On four occasions, scientists assessed the levels of stress hormones in cats living alone, in pairs and in groups of three or four in domestic homes.
The team found that stress levels could not be predicted by the number of cats living in the home, but cats living alone under the age of two were found to be more stressed than those the same age living in larger groups.
Professor Daniel Mills of the University of Lincoln explained that whilst cats typically live alone in the wild, it is known that they will come together in areas where resources such as food are concentrated.
However, researchers say little was known previously about whether or not this could still be stressful and done only out of necessity.
“Many people keep groups of cats in their home and although they might seem happy together, some people have argued that because this is an unnatural set up, it is not good for their welfare," said Professor Mills.
"Our research shows this is not necessarily the case. It seems even if they are not best friends, cats may be able to organise themselves to avoid each other without getting stressed."
It was also suggested that being stroked by humans could be a stressful experience for cats.
Professor Mills said: "Very intriguingly, our data suggests that cats who tolerate, rather than enjoy or dislike being petted, seem to be the most stressed."
He added that those cats that dislike being petted could avoid this stress if they live with another cat who either enjoys or tolerates being petted.
According to researchers, these findings, which have been published in the Journal of Physiology and Behaviour, reinforce the need to ensure all individuals have control over their environment.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
