BEH3 - Normal Feline Development & Behavior

Question 1

describe the social structure of cat colonies

Answer 1

• matrilineal (older females at top)
• size dependent on resources
• females often stay for life
• related individuals

Question 2

describe the social structure of male cats

Answer 2

• linear hierarchy (by size)
• can form bonded pairs when young
• males rotate between colonies

Question 3

how does elimination and marking differ

Answer 3

elimination occurs 2-3/day on granular substrate, whereas marking occurs on vertical surfaces and marks territory

Question 4

what are forms of marking?

Answer 4

1. spraying
2. facial rubbing
3. scratching

Question 5

T/F: cats use the vomeronasal organ for pheromone detection

Answer 5

TRUE

Question 6

what is affilitative behavior

Answer 6

• engaging in play
• allogrooming
• sleeping together

Question 7

T/F: cats are only considered a predator species

Answer 7

FALSE

Question 8

describe normal hunting behavior for a cat

Answer 8

• solitary hunters and eaters
• several small meals a day

Question 9

neonatal stage

Answer 9

0-10days

• nursing
• purring @ day 2
• flexor dominance
• ears (+/- eyes) open

Question 10

T/F: lactating queen pheromones are used in products like feliway

Answer 10

TRUE

Question 11

Transitional stage

Answer 11

10-15 days

• eyes fully open
• likely to be fearful/aggressive if separated from mother
• extensor dominance

Question 12

socialization stage

Answer 12

2-7 weeks

• most important
• learn what social partner looks like
• weaning at 4 weeks
• observational hunting skills 4-8 weeks
• nest movement
• self grooming, ambulation, elimination, play

Question 13

when is the fear period for cats

Answer 13

3-4 weeks

Question 14

juvenille stage

Answer 14

2 - 4/6 months

• interact with live prey brought to nest
• hunting drive overrides play drive
• lack of socialization can inhibit predatory instinct

Question 15

when does social play peak? why is this important?

Answer 15

3-4 months; also the period where interspecies play occurs

Question 16

adolescence/sexual maturity stage

Answer 16

**variable

females 6-18months
males 4.5 months

Question 17

social maturity stage

Answer 17

where adult weight is reached

females = 2 years

Question 18

T/F: early stress can be beneficial for kittens, but too much stress can increase aggreesion/fear

Answer 18

TRUE

Question 19

what are the 3 parental personality types

Answer 19

1. active/aggressive
2. timid/nervous
3. confident/easy going

Question 20

a malnourished queen can cause

Answer 20

• delayed behavioral, physical, and brain development
• more aggressive behavior from kittens
• suppressed play

Question 21

match the environment to the outcome on kitten development

a. only vertical or horizontal stripes
b. dark/wearing Elizabethan collar
c. deficit of visual cortex

1. no paw-eye coordination/proprioception
2. only respond to vertical or horizontal objects
3. behavioral problems

Answer 21

a = 2
b = 1
c = 3

Question 22

T/F: handling kittens 15min/day decreases fearfulness and helps development

Answer 22

TRUE

Question 23

what are the 3 realms of social deprivation effects

Answer 23

1. play (doesn’t understand play signals)
2. singleton (socially incompetent)
3. hand-reared (redirected frustration)

Question 24

what are the 5 pillars of a healthy feline environment

Answer 24

1. safe space with plenty of hiding spots
2. multiple and separated key resources
3. opportunity for predatory and play relationships
4. positive consistent interactions with humans
5. respects sense of smell