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J Feline Med Surg

Title:		Induction of scratching behaviour in cats: efficacy of synthetic feline interdigital semiochemical
Author(s):		Cozzi A; Lecuelle CL; Monneret P; Articlaux F; Bougrat L; Mengoli M; Pageat P;
Address:		"Institute of Research of Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), Saint Saturnin Les Apt, France"
Journal Title:		J Feline Med Surg
Year:		2013
Volume:		20130221
Issue:		10
Page Number:		872 - 878
DOI:		10.1177/1098612X13479114
ISSN/ISBN:		1532-2750 (Electronic) 1098-612X (Linking)
Abstract:		"The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of synthetic feline interdigital semiochemical (FIS) on the induction of scratching behaviour in cats during a standardised behavioural test. The trial was a randomised blinded study on a single group of subjects, following a crossover design. The scratching behaviour of 19 cats was evaluated during a standardised test in which cats were introduced to an area with one scratching post. Each cat acted as its own control (receiving, at random, FIS then placebo or vice versa). The test lasted for 5 mins, after which the cat was left alone in the test area. Duration, frequency of scratching and latency of first scratching behaviour were noted. Two independent observers analysed the videos. Thirty-eight tests were recorded with a different scratching post each time (two tests per cat). The scratching post with the semiochemical was more scratched in duration and frequency by the cats involved in the study (intention to treat analysis). The same conclusion was found using per-protocol analysis, which included only cats that scratched during the test. Regarding latency, no significant difference was found between treatment and placebo. The results seem of interest in explaining the role of a FIS in inducing scratching behaviour on a scratching post. The semiochemical approach can modify the choice of areas selected spontaneously by cats, and could be used either as a preventive measure for a cat arriving at home or to control or change an inappropriate scratching behaviour"
Keywords:		"Animals Behavior, Animal/*drug effects Cats/*physiology Cross-Over Studies Female Male Observer Variation Pheromones/*pharmacology;"
Notes:		"MedlineCozzi, Alessandro Lecuelle, Celine Lafont Monneret, Philippe Articlaux, Florence Bougrat, Laurent Mengoli, Manuel Pageat, Patrick eng Randomized Controlled Trial England 2013/02/23 J Feline Med Surg. 2013 Oct; 15(10):872-8. doi: 10.1177/1098612X13479114. Epub 2013 Feb 21"