Environmental enrichment for shelter cats

Dantas-Divers LMS, Crowell-Davis SL, Alford K, Genaro G, D'Almeida JM and Paixao RL. Agonistic behavior and environmental enrichment of cats communally housed in a shelter. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011; 239: 796-802.

For cats in shelters or other types of confinement, improvement of welfare involves addressing social and cognitive needs, as well as the essentials of food, water, and protection from the elements. To this end, the provision of environmental enrichment offers an inexpensive and effective way to enhance the quality of life for confined cats. Puzzle feeders have been recommended because they can provide stimulation and increase positive social contact. However it is important to avoid frustration and disputes that can lead to aggressive behavior. These researchers observed a group of cats in a communal setting for dominance or aggression issues when a puzzle feeder was provided for enrichment. Twenty seven neutered cats (6 male, 21 female) housed in a single enclosure had been living together for 3 years. The colony was video recorded and baseline behavior information was determined. Then, a puzzle feeder was added for one hour a day every other day.

Photo from original article

The cat food is below the plastic pipes, requiring exploratory behavior to access it.

The investigation showed that addition of the enrichment device did not enhance aggression in this stable group of cats. The authors concluded that a stimulating item that can be shared by all individuals in a stable group, such as a puzzle feeder of appropriate size, can play an important role in promoting positive social interactions among cats and improving their welfare. [MK]


Related articles: Ellis SLH. Environmental enrichment: Practical strategies for improving feline welfare. J Feline Med Surg. 2009; 11: 901-12.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Dantas-Divers LMS, Crowell-Davis SL, Alford K, Genaro G, D'Almeida JM and Paixao RL. Agonistic behavior and environmental enrichment of cats communally housed in a shelter. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011; 239: 796-802.

For cats in shelters or other types of confinement, improvement of welfare involves addressing social and cognitive needs, as well as the essentials of food, water, and protection from the elements. To this end, the provision of environmental enrichment offers an inexpensive and effective way to enhance the quality of life for confined cats. Puzzle feeders have been recommended because they can provide stimulation and increase positive social contact. However it is important to avoid frustration and disputes that can lead to aggressive behavior. These researchers observed a group of cats in a communal setting for dominance or aggression issues when a puzzle feeder was provided for enrichment. Twenty seven neutered cats (6 male, 21 female) housed in a single enclosure had been living together for 3 years. The colony was video recorded and baseline behavior information was determined. Then, a puzzle feeder was added for one hour a day every other day.

Photo from original article

The cat food is below the plastic pipes, requiring exploratory behavior to access it.

The investigation showed that addition of the enrichment device did not enhance aggression in this stable group of cats. The authors concluded that a stimulating item that can be shared by all individuals in a stable group, such as a puzzle feeder of appropriate size, can play an important role in promoting positive social interactions among cats and improving their welfare. [MK]


Related articles: Ellis SLH. Environmental enrichment: Practical strategies for improving feline welfare. J Feline Med Surg. 2009; 11: 901-12.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Read More

Azodyl in cats with chronic kidney disease

Rishniw M and Wynn SG. Azodyl, a synbiotic, fails to alter azotemia in cats with chronic kidney disease when sprinkled onto food. Journal of feline medicine and surgery. 2011; 13: 405-9.

A probiotic-prebiotic combination therapy (known as a “synbiotic”) was investigated for its ability to aid in reducing azotemia in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Specific bacteria are used in the product that are capable of metabolizing urea and creatinine into non-toxic metabolites. One synbiotic, Azodyl, contains strains of three naturally occurring bacteria (Streptococcus (enterococcus) thermophiles, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifodobacterium longum) combined with a prebiotic (psyllium husk) in an enteric-coated capsule that releases the contents within the contents within the ileo-colic region. Studies in humans have suggested that synbiotic therapy can alter azotemia in patients with CKD. The manufacturer of Azodyl recommends administering the synbiotic product capsules intact where many cat owners prefer to administer such products by mixing the contents with food. This study was a double-blinded, controlled evaluation of 10 cats with naturally occurring CKD that were randomized to receive either Azodyl or psyllium husk (prebiotic only) for 2 months. The medications were sprinkled into food or given as a slurry. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured twice prior to administration of the medication, and then monthly for 2 months during the study. The study found that Azodyl when applied to food or administered as a slurry failed to reduce azotemia in cats with CKD. The moral of this story is that it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when administering medications. [VT] 


Related articles: King JN, Tasker S, Gunn-Moore DA and Strehlau G. Prognostic factors in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2007; 21: 906-16. 

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Rishniw M and Wynn SG. Azodyl, a synbiotic, fails to alter azotemia in cats with chronic kidney disease when sprinkled onto food. Journal of feline medicine and surgery. 2011; 13: 405-9.

A probiotic-prebiotic combination therapy (known as a “synbiotic”) was investigated for its ability to aid in reducing azotemia in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Specific bacteria are used in the product that are capable of metabolizing urea and creatinine into non-toxic metabolites. One synbiotic, Azodyl, contains strains of three naturally occurring bacteria (Streptococcus (enterococcus) thermophiles, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifodobacterium longum) combined with a prebiotic (psyllium husk) in an enteric-coated capsule that releases the contents within the contents within the ileo-colic region. Studies in humans have suggested that synbiotic therapy can alter azotemia in patients with CKD. The manufacturer of Azodyl recommends administering the synbiotic product capsules intact where many cat owners prefer to administer such products by mixing the contents with food. This study was a double-blinded, controlled evaluation of 10 cats with naturally occurring CKD that were randomized to receive either Azodyl or psyllium husk (prebiotic only) for 2 months. The medications were sprinkled into food or given as a slurry. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured twice prior to administration of the medication, and then monthly for 2 months during the study. The study found that Azodyl when applied to food or administered as a slurry failed to reduce azotemia in cats with CKD. The moral of this story is that it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when administering medications. [VT] 


Related articles: King JN, Tasker S, Gunn-Moore DA and Strehlau G. Prognostic factors in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2007; 21: 906-16. 

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Read More