Scientists in California are on the lookout for courageous volunteers to bear a grueling endeavor: taking part in with their cats. The researchers are hoping to higher perceive how homeowners work together with their cats, in addition to what makes for an excellent play session. Individuals taking part within the research may even have an opportunity to nab a $50 reward card.
Researchers on the Animal Welfare Epidemiology Lab at College of California, Davis, are conducting the research. In previous tasks, they’ve requested folks about their cats’ appetite for bugs, whether or not their cats can simply socialize with others, and in the event that they trim their foster kittens’ nails.
This new study will are available two phases. Within the first, folks will merely be requested to ship in a two-minute video of them taking part in with their cat the best way they sometimes would (any movies shared with different researchers or the general public can be edited to solely present the cat and their toy if wanted). Within the second, the individuals can be despatched the identical “commonplace” toy they usually’ll be requested to maneuver the toy in entrance of their cat with a particular movement.
The express aim of the challenge is to review how cat homeowners work together with their cat whereas taking part in usually, in addition to to match how playful completely different cats are with a particular transferring toy. However researcher Hee Jin Chung, a PhD pupil within the lab, can be hoping to dispel some misconceptions about cats with this work.
“One of many issues that motivates me probably the most is figuring out that cats are probably the most misunderstood animals in a house. I believe many people who find themselves afraid of, or dislike cats, are that approach as a result of there’s a layer of bewilderment about their habits. For instance, I’ve skilled my cat Memi to leap by hoops, and many individuals are stunned to listen to that’s even attainable with cats! I believe rising our data about cat habits will assist clear these misunderstandings and assist folks work together with cats and perceive their wants higher,” she mentioned. “So folks taking part on this analysis will know that they contributed to a discipline of science that ultimately can be utilized to assist cats, and assist folks higher perceive cats!”
Any American over the age of 18 with a minimum of one grownup cat is eligible for the research. Volunteers can be enrolled to win one in every of three $50 Amazon reward playing cards, and everybody will get to maintain the research toy. folks can enroll through the hyperlink here.
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