Coping Styles in the Domestic Cat (Felis silvestris catus) and Implications for Cat Welfare

It is important for cat caretakers to understand individual differences in response to stress. Identifying coping styles in cats may lead to improved health and welfare outcomes. In this study, we collected information from cat guardians pertaining to personality traits then singly-housed each cat for three days to mimic admittance to a veterinary hospital or shelter. Behavior was recorded hourly and response to approach of a familiar and unfamiliar person was assessed at the end of day 3. We found individual differences in the behavioral responses of cats to the acute stress of cage confinement. Additionally, guardian-rated personality traits agreed with the response of the cats when confined to a cage, suggesting that domestic cats have different coping styles. Identifying individual differences in response to stressful events or environments may provide caretakers with important information leading to improved welfare