Research Forum Watch Party: Using A Behavior Modification Protocol to Improve Nail Trim Success in Adult Shelter Cats
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More About the Presentation
This study examined the use of a behavior modification protocol in adult shelter cats to reduce negative responses during a routine nail trim and increase the likelihood of a successful nail trim on the first attempt. This behavior modification protocol uses cooperative care, desensitization, and counter-conditioning techniques. This is the first research to effectively use behavior modification techniques to successfully perform low-stress nail trims with shelter cats. Participants may come away from this presentation with a new tool for performing low-stress nail trims with adult shelter cats, and learn how to incorporate cooperative care, desensitization, and counter-conditioning techniques into routine health procedures.
Takeaways
- Desensitization and counter-conditioning, combined with cooperate care strategies, can increase ease and success of nail trims in adult shelter cats
- Combined behavior modification techniques may be useful with cats for other routine procedures.
Suited For
Designed for animal welfare professionals and researchers but all are welcome.
Jennifer Link
Ph.D. Candidate, UC Davis
Jennifer Link is a Ph.D. candidate studying animal behavior in the Animal Welfare Epidemiology Lab at UC Davis. She obtained her master's degree in psychological science from SUNY New Paltz, where her thesis focused on the anthropomorphism of dogs and cats. Her current Ph.D. research focuses on socialization and behavior modification in both owned and shelter cats.
