BEHAVIORAL-EFFECTS OF CAGE ENRICHMENT IN SINGLE-CAGED ADULT CATS

The behaviour of 10 adult individually-caged male cars was measured ei ther in their normal cage or with additional objects, a log and a ball . Each cat was observed during five days in each condition. Results sh ow an important novelty effect at the beginning of observations, espec ially for rubbing and paddling behaviour. Introduction of objects in t he cages resulted in a decrease in inactivity and self-play activities , and an increase in sniffing objects and play behaviours with objects . This was particularly important with the ball. Whereas these modific ations decreased over days with the log, a high level of activity was maintained with the ball. The importance of the movement and of the fu nction of the object is discussed. An isolated cats is suggested.