oregon state university

Contextual cues influence human perception of cat emotion

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Puitiza, A., Molinaro, H. G., Barrios, F., Vitale, K. R., Darling, S., Frank, D. H., & Udell, M. A. R. (2025). Contextual cues influence human perception of cat emotion. Anthrozoös, 38(6), 955–970. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2025.2578074

Abstract: Human beliefs about cat emotions and wellbeing can influence cat management, care, and welfare practices. Prior research suggests that many people, including cat owners, often fail to identify cat emotional states accurately. In the current study, we asked if contextual cues, such as background environment, coat color, or one’s own emotional state, could predict or influence human perception of cat emotion. To accomplish this, we used a mixed-methods survey. Contextual cues were experimentally manipulated by presenting the same cat images multiple times, but with different AI-generated backgrounds (i.e., indoor vs. outdoor setting), in a randomized order. Participants were asked to rate their perception of the cat’s emotional state in each image. Participants also rated their own emotional state while viewing each image in a separate section of the survey. Data from 665 surveys were included in the final analysis; 71% of participants identified as female, 23% identified as male, and 6% selected another gender category or preferred not to answer. Overall, participants rated cats as having a more positive emotional state when pictured indoors compared with the same cat pictured outdoors (p < 0.001). Beliefs about the appropriateness of allowing cats to roam freely outdoors were also associated with reported emotion ratings of cats (p < 0.001). Additionally, cat ownership (p < 0.001), reported positive quality of experiences with cats (p < 0.001), and ratings of the participants’ own emotional state (p < 0.0001) also correlated positively with human perception of cat emotion. This study provides the first experimentally controlled evidence that human perception of cat emotion can be directly influenced by context.

Effects of a Brief Separation From the Owner While in the Home Environment: Comparison of Fearful and Control Dogs

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Bentosela, M., Cavalli, C., Dzik, M. V., Caliva, M., & Udell, M. A. R. (2024). Effects of a Brief Separation From the Owner While in the Home Environment: Comparison of Fearful and Control Dogs. Anthrozoös, 37(5), 959–975. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2024.2389643

Abstract: Separation from their owner is stressful for some dogs. Studies examining this phenomenon are usually carried out in novel places. However, given that separation distress can also impact the behavior and welfare of dogs in their home environment, it is critical to study them in this context as well. Our first aim was to evaluate the reactions of dogs to a brief separation from their owner in the home. Secondly, we aimed to examine differences in the reactions of dogs classified as fearful, without (n = 27) and with (n = 17) aggressive responses, as well as controls (n = 28). All dogs were adults, from various breeds and mixes, and lived as pets. Each dog’s behavior was evaluated across three phases: (1) 2 min interaction with owner (baseline), (2) 3 min separation from the owner (alone), and (3) 2 min after the owner returned (owner return). We measured exploration as well as affiliative and stress behaviors. The results show that dogs explored the environment more in phase 1, directed more behaviors toward the door through which the owner had left in phase 2, followed the owner leaving at the end of phase 2, and greeted them when they returned in phase 3. Dogs also spent more time near the owner after their absence in phase 3 than in phase 1. A decrease in exploration triggered by the absence of the owner in phase 2 and a lack of full exploration recovery in phase 3 were observed as possible indicators of stress. No differences were found between fearful dogs and controls. The results indicate that it is possible to evaluate dogs’ reactions to separation from their owner in a more naturalistic context. This could aid in the development of strategies to improve separation-related problems in dogs and thus improve their welfare and quality of life.

CATastrophic myths part 2: Common misconceptions about the social behavior of domestic cats and implications for their health, welfare, and management

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Udell, M. A. R., Delgado, M.,Ekenstedt, K. J., Shoveller, A.K., Croney, C. C. (2023). CATastrophic Myths Part 2: Common misconceptions about the environmental, nutritional, and genetic management of domestic cats and their welfare implications. The Veterinary Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106029

Abstract: Despite the cat’s popularity as a companion species, many owners and practitioners lack high quality information about important aspects of their behavior and management. Myths, anecdotes, and narratives of cats as ‘low maintenance, self-sufficient’ animals are pervasive, and the degree to which these may underlie complacency about fully meeting cats’ needs is unknown. Several studies suggest that cat welfare and the human-cat bond may benefit from improved education about how to optimize the domestic cat’s management and husbandry needs in homes and elsewhere. This paper is the second of a two-part series addressing common myths about cats. The purpose of this paper is to review and debunk common misconceptions about optimal cat care, feeding behavior, genetics, and training. Replacing these misconceptions with scientifically generated information could have a significant impact on the behavioral management of cats, positively influencing their physical health, mental stimulation, and well-being, and reducing stress for both cats and the people caring for them. Areas where further research is required to address ambiguities, and to better meet cats’ needs in homes and other environments, are also identified.