University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division

Wheelie Fast Cats: Training and Voluntary Wheel Running in Domestic Cats

Angela Sullivan, EKUFollow

Presenter Hometown

Berea

Major

Animals Studies

Department

Psychology

Degree

Undergraduate

Mentor

Adam Lawson

Mentor Department

Psychology

Abstract

Studies have shown cat-human interactions provide increased welfare for domesticated cats (Henning et al.,2023). Reduced stress and increased adoptability were both positively influenced by training (Kogan et al.,2017).   There is a dearth of research, however, on devices that allow cats to exercise and interact with a device that is not directly controlled by a human. The purpose of this study is to examine the training and use of the One Fast Cat exercise wheel (OFC wheel) on cat behavior. The increase in animal welfare associated with training and regular exercise is both beneficial for cats and can potentially be used to resolve unwanted behaviors. However, with a multitude of training methods to choose from, cat guardians may not know where to begin. This study will test different training methods to determine the best fit for training a cat to walk/run on the One Fast Cat exercise wheel (OFC wheel). Four different training methods will be used to facilitate the participants’ interaction with the OFC wheel: luring, physical manipulation, shaping and targeting. Time taken between the initiation of each training method to the voluntary walking/running action on OFC wheel will be recorded for comparison. Success is achieved when the participant will walk/run on OFC wheel without researcher manipulation for more than five seconds. Data will include both owner observations of OFC wheel use, along with specific frequency and duration data before, during and after training. Times will be compared to find the best training method for the use of the OFC wheel.

Presentation format

Poster

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Wheelie Fast Cats: Training and Voluntary Wheel Running in Domestic Cats

Studies have shown cat-human interactions provide increased welfare for domesticated cats (Henning et al.,2023). Reduced stress and increased adoptability were both positively influenced by training (Kogan et al.,2017).   There is a dearth of research, however, on devices that allow cats to exercise and interact with a device that is not directly controlled by a human. The purpose of this study is to examine the training and use of the One Fast Cat exercise wheel (OFC wheel) on cat behavior. The increase in animal welfare associated with training and regular exercise is both beneficial for cats and can potentially be used to resolve unwanted behaviors. However, with a multitude of training methods to choose from, cat guardians may not know where to begin. This study will test different training methods to determine the best fit for training a cat to walk/run on the One Fast Cat exercise wheel (OFC wheel). Four different training methods will be used to facilitate the participants’ interaction with the OFC wheel: luring, physical manipulation, shaping and targeting. Time taken between the initiation of each training method to the voluntary walking/running action on OFC wheel will be recorded for comparison. Success is achieved when the participant will walk/run on OFC wheel without researcher manipulation for more than five seconds. Data will include both owner observations of OFC wheel use, along with specific frequency and duration data before, during and after training. Times will be compared to find the best training method for the use of the OFC wheel.