Some people volunteer at their local shelter and socialize with the cats living there. While this activity is enjoyable to humans it is also beneficial for cats. The study, Effect of interactions with humans on behaviour, mucosal immunity and upper respiratory disease of shelter cats rated as contented on arrival helps illustrate the benefits of human interaction for cats.
96 shelter cats were included in the study. One group received pleasant interaction with one person for ten minutes four times each day. Treatment lasted for ten days. The control group had a researcher in front of their cage (on the same schedule as the treatment group) with eyes averted.
The treatment group of cats kept their nice dispositions and had lower incidences of upper respiratory infections when compared to the control group. Here are the highlights of the study:
- Human interaction by petting, playing and grooming improved shelter cats' welfare.
- Treated cats were more content and less anxious and frustrated.
- Treated cats had increased concentrations of immunoglobulin A in their feces.
- Within 10 days, treatment had substantially reduced viral shedding.
- Treated cats had less respiratory disease, especially good responders to treatment.
Researcher (and coauthor) Nadine Gourkow said there was a "strong association between positive emotions induced by gentling and good health." It is thought that happy cats produce higher levels of immunoglobulin A which decreases their risk of upper respiratory infections. Researcher (and coauthor) Clive J.C. Phillips said, "We have learned that the domestic cat is very responsive to good treatment by humans."
Phillips said that these findings are also significant for cats living in a home. Similar results may also be found in dogs regarding kennel cough infections though this has not yet been examined. Phillips said, "The study has emphasized to me how sensitive pets are, including my dog, to gentle treatment."
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