Understanding the Relationship between Intention and Cat Containment Behaviour: A Case Study of Kitten and Cat...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Cat containment is encouraged in Australia to protect native wildlife and cat welfare.
• Adopter intentions and behaviors regarding cat containment require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between cat adopters' intentions and behaviors concerning cat containment.
• To identify factors influencing the adoption and maintenance of cat containment.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed 72 cat and kitten adopters from RSPCA Queensland.
• Assessed containment intentions at adoption and behaviors eight weeks post-adoption.

Main Results:

• 89% intended full containment; 87% reported containment after eight weeks.
• Containment behavior moderately correlated with initial intentions.
• Capability, opportunity, and motivational factors influenced behavior, sometimes overriding intentions and education.

Conclusions:

• While intentions are high, practical barriers affect cat containment success.
• Additional behavior change strategies addressing specific barriers are needed beyond initial advice.