Cats - perceptions and misconceptions: two recent studies about cats and how people see them
Gaille Perry
Abstract
Cats, their control and management are contentious issues. Throughout Australia, animal management staff in local authorities are attempting to come to grips with the practical application of their local and state regulations concerning cats. Until recently, there has been a dearth of research into the attitudes of cat owners to the management of their pets, or even to the behaviour of cats in Australia to assist them in determining the most appropriate path to follow.
Two studies were recently conducted in Queensland. The first was into levels of ownership, desexing, hunting behaviour and likely compliance to regulations on mandatory desexing, registration and confinement of cats in Mt Isa. The second, in Brisban
e, investigated current methods favoured for the identification of cats and into the effect of bells on hunting behaviour. People and cats have certainly had a chequered relationship. Revered by ancient Egyptians then reviled in the middle ages as witches' familiars, cats until recently had occupied a cosy, if often unnoticed place in our households. Then began the Great Cat Debate! Cats hit the headlines as wildlife killers and carriers of disease. People wanted them controlled!
About the author
Gaille Perry Brisbane
Institute of TAFE
Fulcher Rd
Ph. 07 3259 9151 Fx. 07 3259 9155
Email. s305475@student.uq.edu.au
Gaille is a veterinarian with Membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Animal Behaviour. She is a qualified teacher - Principal Teacher, Animal Science Department, Brisbane Institute of TAFE and Co-ordinator of the Animal Management Course. Gaille was recently awarded a PhD for her thesis on people's attitudes to dogs and cats, their management and training. She is also the program manager for the Delta Canine Good Citizen Instructor course and an animal behaviour consultant, Seaforth Veterinary Hospital, NSW in the absence of Dr Kersti Seksel who has a visiting professorship in the US.
Back to Urban Animal Management Conference Index
Back to Petnet