Cats to be tracked in new GPS study
Scientists want to find out if rural cats have larger roaming territories than city cats.
Lincoln scientists are on the prowl for cat owners to take part in a new research project to find out what cats get up to in city and rural settings.
Researchers from the University of Lincoln are looking for cat owners willing to attach a GPS collar to their cat for seven days.
The project follows last year's BBC Two Horizon documentary titled "The Secret Life of Cats", which tracked the movements of 50 cats over a number of weeks.
Animal behaviour experts from the University of Lincoln aim to study the routes and activities of cats after leaving their homes.
Dr Naima Kasbaoui from the School of Life Sciences explained: "We want to compare cats that live in a city environment compared to those living in a more rural setting.
"We are hoping to record the movement patterns and activities of the two different groups to see if there is a difference in terms of home ranges and activities.
"For example, cats in more sparsely populated country villages tend to cross roads regularly. The more cats who are involved in this study, the more we will be able to conclude a real pattern."
Researchers say one of the main questions they hope to answer is whether rural cats have larger roaming territories than city cats.
The team are looking for volunteers from the following areas in Lincoln: Milman Road, Clarina Street, Bernard Street, Tempest Street, Coleby Street, Oakfield Street, Grafton Street, Belmont Street, Florence Street and Cromwell Street in the Monks Road area.
For further information, contact Dr Kasbaoui by emailing nkasbaoui@lincoln.ac.uk by April 2.
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.
