IntroductionInterference competition among sympatric large carnivores is a central process structuring African predator guilds. However, the moment-by-moment movement decisions that underlie it are difficult to observe directly in elusive species ranging over remote landscapes.MethodsWe applied a relative-motion analysis to high-frequency GPS telemetry from 17 lions (Panthera leo) and 14 spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) tracked at 5-min intervals across two southern African ecosystems, the Etosha National Park in Namibia and the Chobe–Linyanti system in northern Botswana. We deliberately restricted the dyadic analysis to timesteps with real, concurrent fixes from both individuals rather than continuous-time-imputed positions. Across the 23 dyads that met this criterion, we classified each individual's movement at each timestep as toward, orthogonal to, or away from its partner. We then tested the resulting toward-versus-away proportion against a null of no directional bias using three complementary inferential layers that explicitly handle the within-dyad autocorrelation and between-dyad individual reuse: per-dyad exact binomial confidence intervals, an across-dyad Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and a generalized linear mixed-effects model on the per-timestep data with a random intercept for dyad.ResultsThe retreat-by-hyena signal is supported across all three layers. None of the three inferential layers supported a uniform population-level lion approach to hyenas, but a directionally consistent pattern indicated an approach bias for male lions and no consistent directional bias for female lions. Intraspecific lion dyads in Etosha resolve mating-pair and satellite-pride coordination at scales as fine as 15 m; hyena dyads in either ecosystem produced no concurrent fixes below 1 km, recovering the exclusive clan-territorial structure of the species.DiscussionThe relative-motion framework demonstrates that fine-scale telemetry can substitute for behavioral observation in landscapes where direct observation is logistically infeasible. It also reveals that the asymmetric interference-competition signature predicted by guild theory operates through the subordinate species' reactive avoidance at multi-kilometer scales rather than through symmetric two-species coordination.
Fisheries interactions are widely recognised as being the leading anthropogenic cause of marine mammal mortality. One form of fisheries interaction is peracute underwater entrapment (PUE), the process of acute entanglement and forced submersion that occurs following interaction with fishing gear, where an individual is not able to break free or to reach the water’s surface to breathe. PUE results in a number of negative welfare impacts, including asphyxiation, injuries, physiological and psychological stress, social disruption and, ultimately, death impacting on the behaviour of affected individuals and conspecifics. Individually and collectively, the welfare implications of these events are severe and raise significant concerns. This review focuses on PUE and the known and hypothetical events associated with entrapment on the affected individual and on conspecifics including behaviour, the stress response and pathophysiology, the use of necropsy data to help provide a greater understanding of the events surrounding PUE and further research needed to improve our understanding of the welfare implications on individuals and populations. Case studies are provided for grey seal and common dolphin PUE cases in UK waters.
Birds are one of the most speciose taxa housed in zoos, but there is little research about their welfare and management in aviaries. Managing birds in large, complex, multi-species spaces potentially provides welfare benefits, but monitoring animals in these spaces can be challenging. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology is widely used for monitoring the behavior of wild birds but is underutilized for monitoring birds in zoos. RFID is a valuable technology allowing for data stream-style automated detections of presence, date, time, and location data. This review discusses the ways that RFID data can be used to interpret feeding and social behavior to inform data-driven management when placed at the feeding area, providing information on duration of feeding, number of bouts, preference and social association like feeding together and agonistic displacements. It then discusses how this information can be practically applied in a zoo scenario for collecting general information about animals for which little is known, monitoring welfare concerns, and assessing the potential effects of husbandry changes. This review then expands on how RFID can be paired with other tools such as visual observation, weighing scales, and selection feeders. This review highlights the importance of validating RFID detections against visual observations to ensure accuracy and understand biases. Lastly, this review discusses the value of this RFID data for conservation, and opportunities to implement RFID in other locations beyond the feeder.
Orcas exhibit highly specialized behavioral and cognitive adaptations that enable them to hunt large marine prey, including the largest teleosts, the sunfishes (family Molidae). While orca-molid interactions have been documented globally, the specific mechanics of these predatory events vary. Here, we describe two predation events in the Gulf of California in which adult orcas accelerated and struck a sharp-tail sunfish (Masturus lanceolatus) with sufficient force to cause substantial tissue fragmentation. We propose that this ‘ram-to-fragment’ behavior may have multiple functions, including facilitating foraging for juvenile orcas or reflecting play behavior. The observed coordination between adults suggests a high degree of cooperative precision and could represent roles in prey processing, social interaction and learning.
IntroductionPersonality assessments provide a valuable tool to understand the needs of an animal and improve animal wellbeing. Using personality data gathered from a modified five-factor personality assessment, this study explored the relationship between personality and age, hierarchy, and behavior in polar bears (Ursus maritimus).ResultsBetween 2018 and 2024, 8 of 9 individuals showed significant changes for at least one personality trait as they aged. Across individuals, personality traits did not always change consistently with age, but individual differences accounted for the majority of variation within the models indicating consistent individual differences were captured. While hierarchical rank was not significantly predicted by any single personality trait, directional relationships and consistent individual differences may indicate biologically meaningful associations would be observed with a larger sample size. In 2024, behavioral activity budgets were compared to the results of the personality assessments scored in the same month. While no significant relationship was found between behavior categories and personality, trends were observed relating to behavioral diversity. Using these results, we provide recommendations to improve personality assessments in bears with an emphasis on tracking consistent individual differences.ConclusionThe findings of this study have enhanced our understanding of personality in polar bears, and how personality changes over time. While the present study represents an exploratory analysis, these data can serve as a foundation for further research on polar bear personality in natural and managed care settings.
IntroductionSociality in primates is associated with survival and welfare benefits, yet many nocturnal species remain understudied. The aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is generally classified as solitary, although field and captive observations suggest variable social tolerance. This study investigated whether (1) captive aye-ayes exhibit social behaviour under social housing and whether social behaviour differs among social configurations, (2) housing condition alters non-social behavioural time budgets, and (3) extended social housing influences non-social behaviour over time.MethodsBehavioural data were collected from three captive-born aye-ayes (adult female, adult male, juvenile male) housed under solitary, dyadic, and group conditions over nine weeks. Instantaneous scan sampling was conducted during 60-minute sessions, five days per week. Behavioural proportions were analysed using binomial generalised linear mixed models with logit links and individual- and observation-level random intercepts.ResultsAll individuals expressed social behaviour during social housing (juvenile male 16.25%, adult female 14.02%, adult male 12.37%), with affiliative interactions predominating and agonistic behaviour remaining rare (<0.35%). Social behaviour was higher in all social housing conditions than in solitary housing but did not differ among social configurations. Locomotion increased in group housing (p = 0.048) and the sire–juvenile dyad (p = 0.034) relative to solitary housing, while exploration increased in the sire–juvenile condition (p = 0.002) but decreased in group housing (p = 0.041). Maintenance and abnormal behaviour decreased in group housing (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Feeding and foraging were unaffected. Over three weeks of group housing, exploration, feeding and foraging, and abnormal behaviour increased over time, with individual variation in trajectories.DiscussionHypotheses were partially supported; social housing promoted affiliative social behaviour without reducing feeding and foraging or increasing abnormal behaviour relative to solitary housing, suggesting behavioural tolerance. However, increased abnormal behaviour during extended group housing warrants further investigation to determine if responses plateau or reflect sustained stress. Although constrained by a small sample size warranting cautious interpretation, these findings provide preliminary evidence that managed short-term social housing, particularly group housing, may be behaviourally beneficial in captive aye-ayes and highlight the need for larger, multi-institutional studies integrating behavioural and physiological welfare measures.
IintroductionGreen sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are primarily solitary in the wild, although they may exhibit tolerance toward conspecifics within shared habitats. Adult males are particularly prone to agonistic interactions, especially when resources such as food, space, or mates are limited. In captive environments, factors including high population density, limited enclosure size, skewed sex ratios, and insufficient environmental enrichment may exacerbate aggressive behaviors, resulting in increased stress and risk of injury. Appropriate husbandry practices such as the provision of large, structurally complex habitats with numerous resting zones, multiple feeding stations, and environmental enrichment have been shown to mitigate aggression and improve welfare outcomes.MethodsThis case study implemented scan and all-occurrence sampling methods to document the behavior and space use of two adult male green sea turtles preceding, during, and following three feeding conditions: baseline, depth pole, or floating ice block.ResultsBehavioral variation was driven primarily by feeding phase and time of day rather than by enrichment condition, with turtles exhibiting anticipatory activity pre-feeding, active engagement during feeding, and increased resting post-feeding. Agonistic interactions were relatively infrequent but occurred most often after feeding compared to preceding and during feeding only for the depth pole enrichment condition.ConclusionThese results contribute to the limited body of research on the effects of feeding enrichment on captive male green sea turtle interactions, and can inform aquarium management aimed at minimizing aggression and improving animal welfare.
IntroductionThe concept of a Culture of Care has become increasingly prominent in laboratory animal science and is embedded in European legislation. The concept is widely used in policy and practice, but it remains inconsistently defined and is rarely assessed using structured, literature-based measurement tools in the context of laboratory animals. To address this gap, we developed and tested a Culture of Care Barometer for laboratory animal institutions.MethodsThis study consisted of two phases. First, a scoping review was done following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to identify recurring themes, assessment approaches and extractable survey content on the Culture of Care in the scientific literature on laboratory animal research. Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Data were extracted and analyzed descriptively and recurring themes were identified. Second, a questionnaire was developed based on the results of the scoping review and existing validated instruments from human healthcare. After expert review to assess item relevance, clarity and translational accuracy across the Dutch and English version, a 30-item questionnaire was tested in a test-retest study. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients.ResultsTwenty-one publications were included in the scoping review. Most articles described the Culture of Care at a conceptual level and none used a validated assessment instrument. Nine key themes were identified across the literature, covering legal compliance, a proactive attitude, leadership, resources, empathy, shared responsibility, communication, team support and continuous learning. The 30-item questionnaire showed high internal consistency at test and retest, and test-retest reliability for the total scale was moderately good. Item-level intraclass correlation coefficients varied, partly due to limited variance and ceiling effects.DiscussionThis study provides a structured overview of how the Culture of Care is described, including recurring thematic domains and methods used to assess it in laboratory animal research, and presents a newly developed questionnaire with preliminary evidence of reliability. Further research is needed to evaluate construct validity, subgroup differences and applicability across settings.
Accurate behaviour identification and monitoring is essential in captive populations for monitoring welfare and assessing the effectiveness of biomedical or environmental interventions. To quantify behaviour accurately, reliably, and systematically, a well-defined ethogram is crucial, yet for many species these are not readily available. The initial aim of this project was to construct a comprehensive ethogram for captive Rhesus macaques, however in doing so significant issues with the ethogram landscape were identified. These are summarised in this paper, alongside a discussion of approaches for improving the landscape. Seven key issues were identified, across two categories: 1) problems with definitions and utilisation, 2) lack of accessibility and sharing. To alleviate such problems moving forward, we suggest generating ‘primary’ ethograms for study species, conducting substantial preliminary observations prior to data collection, ensuring all decisions and discussions during data collection are published alongside ethograms, including accompanying videos, and making ethograms accessible to all. We have successfully implemented these recommendations with Rhesus macaques, and encourage researchers to apply similar techniques for their study species. Our Rhesus macaque ethogram is published open-access on the online platform OSF (Open Science Framework). Open-access material is freely accessible to all, allowing others to utilise the ethogram without paying a fee. Feedback from users is invited in order that the ethogram be continually refined.
Guests visiting zoos and aquariums show a definite bias toward what has been termed “charismatic megafauna”. To some extent, zookeepers and animal care staff do as well. As a result, most of the time and resources allotted for training and environmental enrichment are spent on birds and mammals. The Virginia Living Museum, a small museum accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in Newport News, Virginia, maintains a training and enrichment program which extends to all living residents – reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates included. We detail the successful results here in hopes of inspiring other facilities to develop similar programs.
IntroductionHorses are frequently kept on pastures near major roads, exposing them to high levels of traffic noise. In humans, prolonged traffic noise exposure is associated with physiological stress, sleep disruption, and adverse health effects. Despite horses’ high auditory sensitivity, comparable data on the behavioral and welfare implications of continuous traffic noise are scarce. This study investigated short-term behavioral and physiological responses of horses naïve to constant motorway noise in their home environment.MethodsTwenty horses housed in four stable groups across three facilities were exposed to recorded motorway noise for 1–2 weeks. Emitted noise levels ranged from 54 to 71 dB, corresponding to distances of approximately 500 to 10 m from a four-lane motorway, and were played during daytime for up to 11 h/day using portable outdoor loudspeakers. Control periods without motorway noise (average ambient noise level: 38 dB) before and between exposure days served as baseline, intermediate washout, and final control phases. Behavioral parameters were recorded throughout the day using focal and scan samplings. Heart rate was continuously monitored as a physiological indicator of stress.ResultsDuring noise exposure, horses reduced foraging behavior from a median of 81% at baseline to 41% during the first exposure phase (p<0.001), while vigilance increased from nine to 54 instances per day (p<0.001). Horses also avoided the vicinity of the noise source (p<0.001). Behavioral effects were pronounced at higher noise levels, with clear avoidance responses suggesting aversion as an active coping strategy. Heart rate increased within the first exposure phase, rising from an average of 57.60 bpm to 66.76 bpm (p<0.001), suggesting an acute stress response.DiscussionAlthough some behavioral habituation was observed over time, spatial avoidance of the noise source persisted, and elevated heart rates indicated continued physiological arousal. Even noise levels of a 500 m distant motorway (≥54 dB) altered behavior and physiology. These findings demonstrate that traffic noise represents a relevant environmental stressor for horses and may compromise welfare when exposure is frequent or prolonged. The study highlights the need to consider noise in equine management and supports mitigation strategies such as providing large pastures with quiet retreat zones or installing noise barriers.
In this paper, we reflected on the role of pioneering studies in shaping research on nonhuman primate facial communication, as well as on how their terminology for describing certain expression types may have imposed limitations over time and, in some cases, misdirected research in the field. We then examined the extent to which more recent nonhuman primate studies have applied novel methods to reveal the complexity inherent in their facial morphology, while studies of their functions have not kept pace. Drawing on the current state of research on nonhuman primate facial communication, we concluded that important opportunities exist to investigate the likely complexity of these functions, representing a fundamental step toward reconstructing the evolution of nonverbal communication in humans and their closest relatives.
Responses to potential stressors are shaped by their predictability. While predictable events may reduce negative effects, the impact of temporal uncertainty remains unclear. This study examined how different degrees of predictability influence stress responses. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were exposed to a confinement stressor under four conditions: predictable (fixed timing), random (variable timing), unpredictable (single unexpected event), and unhandled control. Ventilatory frequency (VF) was used as a non-invasive indicator of physiological activation and measured before and after exposure. All confinement treatments increased VF immediately after exposure. However, response patterns differed. In the predictable condition, VF increased but was not sustained. In contrast, both random and unpredictable conditions produced elevated and prolonged responses, with the strongest effect under complete unpredictability. Partial predictability (random condition), where the stressor was anticipated but not temporally defined, was sufficient to maintain activation. These findings show that temporal uncertainty plays a key role in sustaining stress responses. The results support the concept of emotional plasticity, in which physiological responses are dynamically modulated by environmental predictability, with implications for animal welfare and stress regulation.
Acoustic and olfactory signals, including their function and form, have been extensively studied in social carnivores. However, visual signals have been comparatively understudied. To this end, we sought to evaluate whether a unified, cross-species coding system that integrates manual and facial gestures is feasible and useful for comparative research on social carnivores. To address this gap in knowledge, we developed and applied a uniform coding framework to three species of captive social carnivores: Crocuta crocuta (spotted hyena) (n=4), Lycaon pictus (African wild dog) (n=3), and Canis lupus baileyi (Mexican gray wolf) (n=2). Our goal was to document gesture types using shared form-based labels, quantify overlap and divergence in gesture forms across species, and assess whether the resulting dataset supports interpretable comparisons of gesture frequency, recipient targeting, and context-linked function. We conducted behavioral observations of gestural communications in captive populations housed at three zoos in the United States (Buffalo, New York; Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado) from June 2024 to June 2025. We used continuous focal sampling for three random hours per day during zoo operational hours (five days per week, 9:00–16:00 EST), supplemented with instantaneous scan sampling of gestural behaviors at five-minute intervals. We employed Bayesian generalized linear mixed models, including sender as a random effect, to assess the relationship between species and propensity to exhibit various gestural types (‘rank reinforcement’, ‘affiliative’, and ‘other’). Furthermore, we quantified overlap in gesture-category distributions and assessed variation in gestural function across all subjects using the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index. We found that a unified coding framework has utility for comparing gestural communication across social carnivores that otherwise vary in their species-specific ethograms. Across three species, we documented gestures that were unique to a single species and a small core of overlapping gestures, based on context. By establishing a practical, harmonized approach to coding visible gestures, we provided a methodological infrastructure for future cross-species research on social communication and facilitated direct comparisons currently limited by inconsistent gesture annotation.
Accidents involving humans and captive wildlife in zoos and aquariums represent critical intersections of animal behavior, human roles, and environmental context. Despite the global scale of zoological institutions, systematic quantitative analyses of such incidents remain limited. In this study we conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of 1,047 documented human-animal accidents occurring in zoos, parks, and aquaria worldwide from 1815 to the present. Each accident was classified by species involved, habitat type, human role, behavioral context, and injuries severity using a five-level ordinal scale. Using ordinal regression models, we examined associations between these variables and injury severity. Most recorded incidents resulted in low-severity outcomes; however, clear patterns emerged at higher severity levels. Accident severity differed significantly by species, habitat, human role, and contextual classification. Terrestrial settings accounted for the majority of incidents, while marine environments were associated with lower overall frequency but distinct severity profiles among staff-related encounters. Large-bodied terrestrial mammals, including elephants and large carnivores, showed higher predicted probabilities of severe outcomes. Staff members were involved in most incidents, reflecting occupational exposure, while visitor accidents—particularly involving intruders or children—were disproportionately represented among high-severity cases. By examining accidents as outcomes of specific behavior and interaction context, these findings highlight how species- and environment-specific severity patterns may reflect the behavioral demands placed on animals within the management systems of zoos, parks, and aquaria. Thus, the resulting database offers value not only for risk mitigation, but also for ethology-based welfare assessment and informed institutional reflection on the life conditions of exotic animals under human care.
A solitary common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus entered the Venetian Lagoon and was monitored between June–December 2025. After roaming the lagoon for three months, it settled in Venice, with a preference for waters adjacent to San Marco Square – one of the world’s busiest tourist destinations – where it was consistently observed feeding on mullet (Mugilidae). The Venetian Lagoon was historically part of the range of Adriatic dolphins, but such records have been rare since the 1970s. The ‘dolphin of Venice’ soon became a celebrity, resulting in people attempting to feed, touch and interact with the animal, as well as guided tours and erratic approaches by boats. Such inappropriate behaviour by humans increased disturbance, and the risk of propeller/boat strikes and habituation to human proximity. Following evidence of disturbance and lesions, in November 2025 an attempt was made to drive the dolphin away from the high-risk waters of the San Marco Basin using boats and acoustic deterrents. However, the dolphin immediately returned. Here, we report on the monitoring efforts and actions undertaken, review the relevant regulations, and discuss the options of 1) acoustic deterrence, 2) capture/removal, and 3) tolerance combined with best management practice. We argue that the occurrence of such a charismatic animal could serve as a model for human-wildlife coexistence in urban environments, demanding compliance with existing laws, area-specific measures, appropriate implementation and patrolling, resolute deterrence of inappropriate human behaviour, continued monitoring, and efforts to promote the type of social change that leads to widespread appreciation of, and respect for, wildlife.
Allonursing or allosuckling is a rare but an intriguing evolutionary behavior reported in several species including mammals. Despite the energy cost of lactation, females occasionally allow alien offspring to suckle, suggesting potential adaptative, physiological, or social functions. However, information on this behavior in domestic sheep, particularly in tropical hair breeds, remains scarce. To determine the frequency and the influencing factors of non-filial suckling (NFS) in Saint Croix sheep, a total of 33 hair sheep ewes and their lambs (16 singletons, 13 twins, and 4 triplets) were observed from parturition to weaning (8 weeks of lactation). All animals were kept as a group, grazing on a paddock from 0800 to 1400 hours and penned during the rest of the day. Behavioral observations were conducted three times/week (from 0800 to 1000 and from 1400 to 1600 hours), and the suckling events (S) and suckling attempts (A) from both filial and non-filial (NF) ewe–lambs pairs and the weight gain in lambs were recorded. A total of 1,664 A and 6,203 S were observed, of which 17.0% corresponded to non-filial attempts (NFAs) and 0.6% to NFS. Of the lambs, 85% displayed NFAs, while 37% displayed NFS, at least one time. The percentage of lambs that displayed NFS was affected by the following: a) multiple births—more triplets and twins than singletons [50% (6/12) and 38% (10/26) vs. 25% (4/16), p = 0.0001]; b) the sex of the lamb—more males than females [75% (25/33) vs. 30% (10/33), p = 0.0004]; and c) the time of day context—favoring PM = pen over AM = pasture (67.2% vs. 32.8%, p = 0.0075). The age of the lamb did not affect the percentage of lambs displaying NFAs or NFS. However, NFAs were more frequent in young lambs at early lactation. All ewes received NFAs, but only 49% of them allowed NFS (100% of the ewes that gave birth to triplets, 46% bearing twins, and 37% bearing singletons). Lambs that displayed more NF activities had the lowest average weight gains at weeks 2 and 6, maintaining the same tendency throughout lactation. These results indicate that NFS occurs in hair sheep, but is infrequent and needs to be investigated in the context of nutritional stress, recognition errors, or maternal permissiveness.
IntroductionThe mara (Dolichotis patagonum; Caviomorpha) is an endemic species that faces conservation problems in Argentina. The mara is categorized as near threatened at international level, as vulnerable in Argentina, and as threatened in the Dry Chaco (Córdoba province). To overcome this threat, maras could benefit from conservation actions both in situ (e.g., protected zones) and ex situ (e.g., breeding 85 program). Maras are monogamous and, in the wild, they exhibit a communal 86 breeding strategy. However, ex situ management may alter social strategies and/or compromise individuals’ preferences. Due to space restrictions in ex situ facilities, behavioral preferences such as communal breeding may be affected by management decisions. Hence, to assess whether shifting from communal to solitary breeding can disrupt behavior and reproduction, the study was carried out under semi-controlled environmental conditions (Córdoba Zoo).MethodsFrom a group of 70 individuals, monogamous pairs of maras were separated into two experimental groups: control (C; 5 pairs in a community pen) and treatment (T; 6 pairs, each 94 housed in a solitary pen). After an acclimatization period (two months), behaviors were monthly assessed on individual focal basis during the spring-summer seasons (7:30-12:30 h, 30-min sampling interval).ResultsThe sum of all active behaviors was not affected in T, and there was no effect on the synchronization of typical activities (50% in both groups). Remarkably, as the breeding season progressed, maras stopped showing synchronization. The proportion of time allocated to each behavior was different between groups, feeding and resting were observed mainly in C, while resting and sitting in alert mainly in T. Besides, T exhibited an increase in sitting in alert behavior and a reduction in feeding with respect to C. The total production of offspring did not differ between groups.DiscussionThe increase of the alert state in T could imply a situation of welfare compromise and/or chronic social distress over the reproductive season. Therefore, housing pairs in solitary ex situ pens should not be recommended. Whether increased alert corresponded to an overload of behavioral stress should be explored, increasing descriptive data about basal and reactive ranges.
ObjectiveIn 2024, domestic cats (Felis sylvestris catus) are the most common pets in French homes and nursing homes. In nursing homes, older adults often experience limited social networks, social isolation, and loneliness. The permanent presence of a cat can have positive effects (i.e., reduction in feelings of loneliness and depressive symptoms). As a result, many French nursing homes include resident cats. However, few studies assess the welfare of these animals in such contexts. A cat’s welfare can be impacted by disruptions in the animal’s routine, as observed in nursing homes (i.e., social interactions or environmental changes). This study aimed to assess how the arrival of a new resident in a disability unit of a nursing home affects the welfare and social network of resident cats (Gizmo and Felix).MethodsThe study was carried out in a unit with 12 residents, 9 caregivers, and 2 cats. Observations were made over 45 h during a 30-day period, covering three periods: before, during, and after the arrival of a new resident. The cats’ activities and the areas they frequented were recorded using the method of all occurrences sampling. Social proximities between cats, residents, and caregivers were recorded every 10 min using scan sampling to visualize social networks (e.g., for physical contact).ResultsOur study showed that the two cats reacted differently to this change. Gizmo spent more time alerting and avoiding others while occupying a new space: the residents’ bedrooms. In contrast, Felix spent less time being active but more time outside the unit. Social network analysis revealed that interactions between caregivers, residents, and the cats were affected. Individuals had the same number of interactions, but not with the same partners. After approximately 10 days, several behaviors showed signs of stabilization; however, not all measures returned to pre−arrival levels, indicating that the adjustment process was still ongoing.ConclusionCats and humans began to adjust to environmental changes through behavioral shifts and spatial use, creating feedback loops. Tracking these dynamics via social networks highlights cats as welfare stakeholders. The One Welfare approach emphasizes the importance of architectural flexibility and behavior monitoring to improve multispecies care in nursing homes.
The present study aimed to develop and provide validity evidence for the Dog–Human Attachment Scale (DHAS), designed to assess dogs’ attachment styles toward their caregivers. Content validity of the proposed items was confirmed by experts. To examine the internal structure of the instrument, data from 1,014 Brazilian dogs were analyzed based on owner responses to the DHAS, with 713 cases used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and 301 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Parallel analysis and exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure: Anxiety, Avoidance, and Insecurity, capturing distinct aspects of canine attachment. The CFA supported the adequacy of the three-factor model. Test–retest procedures demonstrated good temporal stability. Evidence of internal structure validity was found, including acceptable composite reliability and ordinal McDonald’s omega coefficients for all three factors, as well as no evidence of differential item functioning (DIF) across guardian gender. Finally, latent profile analysis based on participants’ scores on the three dimensions identified an optimal three-profile solution in the sample, corresponding to insecure-anxious (16.2%), disorganized (47.3%), and insecure-avoidant (36.5%) attachment styles. These findings highlight the utility of the DHAS in distinguishing variations in dog–human attachment patterns. The instrument offers a reliable and valid tool for advancing research and clinical practice, contributing to a deeper understanding of how attachment mechanisms shape canine emotional regulation and behavior in relation to caregivers and influence the quality of the human–dog relationship.
