Vol. 10, Issue 7, Part E (2025)

Author(s): Mohammed Abdulhameed Younis

Abstract: In order to better identify, differentiate, and treat stress-related illnesses or behavioural issues in cats, there is an increasing demand for a simple way to measure their stress levels. So, we looked into the potential behavioural changes that could be linked to an adrenocortical reaction to a sudden stress or (shower bath), and how much this response varies depending on the cat's disposition. A feline temperament profile (FTP) was administered to eight male cats to evaluate their behavioural reactions in various test scenarios. An ACTH stimulation test was used to assess the adrenal glands' physiological activity in all of the cats. The felines were surgically implanted with a venous access port system to allow for painless and objective blood collection. Following their recuperation, the cats were subjected to a three-minute spray bath as part of a stress test. Hemochromatometric profiling of cortisol was performed on blood samples taken both before and after the bath. We recorded the cats' every move as they went through the stress test. Researchers looked for associations between FTP scores and adrenocortical and behavioural response markers. While other behaviours remained unchanged, the cats' grooming behaviour increased following the stressor (p<0.05). The levels of circulating cortisol in all cats were considerably elevated by the spray bath; these levels peaked fifteen minutes after the stressor was exposed. During the spray bath, cats whose plasma cortisol levels were high at peak times were found to vocalise more (rs = 0.93; p<0.001) and display less movement (rs = ?0.74; p<0.05). There was no correlation between FTP scores and adrenocortical responses. These findings suggest that the cats' individual vocalisation and movement responses to the stressor spray bath were correlative with the plasma cortisol levels minutes following its application. Under these circumstances, the FTP test failed to foretell the behavioural and adrenocortical reactions in anxious cats.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i7e.2429