Scientists in California are looking for brave volunteers to take on a grueling endeavor: playing with their cats. Researchers hope to learn more about how owners interact with their cats and what constitutes good play. Participants in the study will also have the opportunity to receive a $50 gift card.
Researchers at the UC Davis Animal Welfare Epidemiology Laboratory are conducting the study. In past projects, they’ve asked people about their cats’ appetite for bugs, whether their cats can easily socialize with other people, and whether they trim their foster kittens’ nails.
The new study will be conducted in two phases. First, people will simply be asked to send a two-minute video of themselves playing with a cat in the usual way (any videos shared with other researchers or the public will be edited to only show cats and their toys if need). In the second step, participants were given the same “standard” toy and asked to move the toy in front of the cat using specific movements.
The stated goals of this project are to study how cat owners interact with their cats during normal play, and to compare the extent to which different cats play with specific mobile toys. But Hee Jin Chung, a doctoral researcher in the lab, also hopes to dispel some misconceptions about cats through this work.
“One of the things that motivates me the most is knowing that cats are one of the most misunderstood animals in the home. I think a lot of people who are afraid of or dislike cats are like that because there’s a layer of misunderstanding about cat behavior. For example, I train my The cat Memi jumps through hoops, and many people are surprised to learn that cats can do this too! I think increasing our knowledge of cat behavior will help dispel these misconceptions and help people interact with cats and better understand their needs, ” she said. “So people involved in this research will know that they are contributing to a field of science that will ultimately have applications to help cats, and help people understand cats better!”
Any American 18 years or older who owns at least one adult cat is eligible to participate in the study. Volunteers will have a chance to win one of three $50 Amazon gift cards, and everyone gets to keep the learning toys. Those interested can register via the link here .
