Interested in Raising a Kitten? Scientists Seek Participants for Their Study
Fostering a Paw-some Partnership:
Are you a cat foster parent who's tackled the nail-trimming dilemma with kittens? Researchers at the University of California, Davis' Animal Welfare Epidemiology Lab need you! They're aiming to learn more about how people trim their young cat's nails, and they're especially interested in foster kittens—a group often overlooked by cat scientists.
The Pawprint on Foster Kitten Research
Jennifer Link, a PhD student heading the study, shared with Gizmodo, "This research aims to investigate various nail-trimming methods fosters employ and kittens' responses to such procedures at a young age. Regrettably, scant research exists on foster kittens, let alone on how they handle nail trimmings."
Regular nail trims are crucial for both cats and their owners. Untouched claws can damage furniture, belongings, and even a cat's own paw pad. If gone unchecked, they could cause pain. Introducing a trimming routine early on can significantly benefit a cat throughout their life.
"Participating fosters might find this study insightful, learning techniques to improve their kitten nail-trimming skills," Link explains. And for those who join in, there's an added bonus: a chance to win a $100 gift card!
The study requires approximately 60 sets of adult foster parents and their kittens under six weeks old. The kittens must be healthy and not spayed or neutered. To join, potential volunteers will need to provide the contact information of their foster coordinator or foster organization, as the researchers will need their permission to carry out the study.
If you're intrigued, don't hesitate to take the survey here. Keep an eye out for announcements on the UC Davis website, social media channels, newsletters, or local animal shelters. Direct inquiries can be made to the UC Davis Animal Welfare Epidemiology Lab via email or phone.
- Researchers at the University of California, Davis' Animal Welfare Epidemiology Lab are focusing on studying nail-trimming methods used by foster parents on young kittens, a group often neglected by cat scientists, as shared by Jennifer Link, a PhD student leading the study.
- The study aims to investigate various nail-trimming techniques employed by foster parents and kittens' responses to such procedures at a young age, as Jennifer Link explained to Gizmodo.
- Participating foster parents may find this study beneficial, as they could improve their kitten nail-trimming skills and have the chance to win a $100 gift card.
- To join the study, potential volunteers will need to provide their foster coordinator or foster organization's contact information, because the researchers will require their permission to carry out the study.