EXPRESS: Enhanced environmental acclimation of cats using an innovative passive diffuser of the Facial-Marking Pheromone (F3)

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate if diffusing the F3 facial-marking pheromone using a novel passive diffusion system can help cats to exhibit behavior suggesting "confidence" in a novel environment.MethodsA crossover trial was performed: cats were placed into two identical, separate experimental rooms for 10 minutes and exposed either to the treatment or to the control solution. Rooms were arranged similar to a normal living space, and the passive diffuser was placed on a shelf. The behaviour of 14 cats was evaluated during the standardised test. Different behavioural parameters were measured via video analysis and submitted to the statistical analysis to evaluate the emotional state of the cats. Data were analysed using general and generalized linear mixed models, as well as a proportion test.ResultsCats did not destroy or play with the diffuser. The statistical analysis showed that the F3-treated cats spent more time in the proximity of the diffuser (p=0.0180). Moreover, F3-treated cats also spent more time laying down (p=0.0191) and playing (p=0.0016) and exhibited more rubbing behaviour (p=0.0102) than controls, while they spent less time sitting (p=0.0180) than controls. Finally, F3-treated cats needed more time to approach the diffuser (p=0.0517). No differences were observed in the other studied behaviours.Conclusions and relevanceThese findings showed for the first time that adapting this novel passive diffusion system to diffuse the F3 pheromone impacts the behaviour of the treated cats, increasing behaviours associated with positive emotions (playing) and acclimation to and suggesting confidence in the environment (rubbing, resting). Moreover, this new system can be adapted for use at home since it is already used there and does not need electricity or heat to function, making it a promising tool to improve the wellbeing of pet cats in different situations.

Keywords: acclimation; behaviour; chemical communication; facial-marking pheromone; welfare; wellbeing.