{"id":129202,"date":"2026-08-20T07:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T10:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ufrgs.br\/jornal\/?p=129202"},"modified":"2026-08-19T14:31:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T17:31:50","slug":"research-reveals-changes-in-the-relationship-between-cats-and-their-guardians-after-the-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ufrgs.br\/jornal\/research-reveals-changes-in-the-relationship-between-cats-and-their-guardians-after-the-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Research reveals changes in the relationship between cats and their guardians after the pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Biological Sciences | Master\u2019s thesis analyzed the impact of confinement and social interaction on the well-being and behavior of domestic cats<\/strong>
<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

*First published  April 10, 2025
*Photo: Pietro Scopel\/UFRGS Journal<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed everyone\u2019s daily lives, but its effects were also felt by another group: domestic cats. A study conducted by veterinarian Ma\u00edra Ingrit Gestrich-Frank as part of her Master\u2019s in Animal Biology at UFRGS revealed that the relationship between cats and their guardians changed during the confinement period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passionate about felines since childhood, Ma\u00edra has always sought to better understand the needs and behaviors of animals. During her undergraduate studies in Veterinary Medicine and Psychology at UFRGS, she deepened her research on feline welfare, which culminated in her master\u2019s thesis. \u201cThe Covid-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to analyze how human-cat interaction influences the behavior and body condition of these animals,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With guardians spending more time at home, the study observed an increase in what is known as the \u201cenvironmental score,\u201d indicating an improvement in the quality of cats\u2019 living environments. There was an increase in the availability of resources such as scratching posts, safe resting areas, and interactive toys. Positive interactions between humans and cats, such as playing and brushing, also became more frequent during that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some behavioral changes among the cats also drew attention. Many became more affectionate and playful, seeking greater interaction with their guardians. On the other hand, negative behaviors, such as restlessness, excessive grooming, changes in appetite, and inappropriate elimination of feces and urine, also showed a slight increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDuring confinement, cats spent more time with their guardians. Therefore, the increase in time spent together was the main change in routine and social interaction between humans and cats observed in our study,\u201d Ma\u00edra points out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe data show that cats who spent more time alone had lower environmental scores. In other words, more frequent presence of guardians at home and interaction with their cats seem to be factors that contribute to a healthier feline environment, in the sense of providing more environmental resources for their pets\u201d<\/p>\nMa\u00edra Ingrit Gestrich-Frank<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The research also indicated that lack of safe outdoor access and a monotonous routine may predispose cats to obesity and other diseases. Cats that had access to fresh air, through screened windows or enclosed patios, or engaged in physical activity were less likely to gain weight. The study suggests that leash walks and \u201ccatios\u201d (safe, enclosed areas) are alternatives to help keep cats active and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Fotografia
Among the many effects on daily life, the study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic changed several aspects of the relationship between cats and their guardians. Photo: Pietro Scopel\/UFRGS Journal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Methodology and Data Analysis<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The study analyzed three distinct periods: pre-pandemic, confinement, and post-confinement; investigating how changes in routine impacted the well-being and behavior of domestic cats. Ma\u00edra used an online questionnaire with 31 questions, answered by cat guardians from different regions of Brazil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants were required to be at least 18 years old, live in Brazil, have lived with the cats studied for at least one month before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and be able to provide information for all three analyzed periods. Additionally, only cats over two years of age were included in the analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data collection took place in 2023, and participants provided retrospective information about their cats\u2019 conditions across the three phases. The sample was obtained through social media posts, animal adoption groups, emails sent to universities, and posters displayed in veterinary clinics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The questions that composed the environmental score evaluated several aspects of the cats\u2019 living spaces, such as the availability of food and water bowls in different locations, food enrichment through objects filled with food (like balls or puzzle feeders), resting spots where cats could sleep undisturbed, litter boxes distributed in multiple areas, proper scratching surfaces (scratching posts or tree trunks), and elevated areas where cats could perch. The study also assessed the types of interaction between guardians and their cats, including activities like brushing and playing, as well as the absence of punishments, such as yelling, scolding, or using water sprays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The behavioral score, in turn, evaluated cats based on ten negative behaviors, scoring them to allow comparison over time. These behaviors included: spending long periods hidden; showing excessive fear; displaying aggressiveness, restlessness; frequent meowing and agitation; engaging in excessive tongue grooming; ingesting non-food items (like plastic or fabric); changing in appetite; gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation); inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation outside the litter box); and destructive behaviors (such as scratching or biting furniture and objects). The higher the behavioral score, the lower the presence or severity of these problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ma\u00edra also highlights that the lack of training among guardians in assessing cats\u2019 body condition and the retrospective nature of participants\u2019 reports were limitations of the study. \u201cIn the future, refining the scales and conducting new studies could broaden our understanding of how the environment impacts feline health,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Fotografia
Photo: Pietro Scopel\/UFRGS Journal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Recommendations for Guardians<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

To ensure feline well-being, Ma\u00edra emphasizes the importance of following the guidelines of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), promoting enriched environments and positive interactions with cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cRespecting cats\u2019 resting periods, providing them with safe hiding spaces, and avoiding punishments is essential. A cat\u2019s well-being is directly linked to the quality of interaction with its guardian\u201d<\/p>\nMa\u00edra Ingrit Gestrich-Frank<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

During activities such as eating, drinking water, and using the litter box, cats can feel vulnerable; therefore, these items should be placed in quiet areas, away from noise and heavy movement, to prevent stress and anxiety. It is also important to provide structures for climbing and scratching, as these are natural behaviors that contribute to their well-being. A private space for resting and hiding also helps cats feel protected and in control of their environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Routine and interaction with humans should be predictable, allowing cats to feel safer. Small habits, such as offering a treat before leaving the house or playing at the same time every day, can help reduce stress and provide enjoyable, stimulating moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another essential aspect is sensory enrichment. Watching the outdoors, following the movement of an aquarium, or playing with sound-producing toys are examples of visual and auditory stimuli that can engage cats. The sense of smell can also be stimulated with specific herbs or pheromones. Ma\u00edra adds that, whenever possible, giving cats access to a protected outdoor area, such as a screened balcony, is an excellent option. In addition, some cats can adapt to the use of harnesses and leashes for walks, as long as their limits are respected and the experience remains positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Thesis title:<\/strong> O impacto do confinamento e do conv\u00edvio social no bem-estar e comportamento dos gatos dom\u00e9sticos (Felis catus<\/em>)<\/a> – The Impact of Confinement and Social Interaction on the Well-Being and Behavior of Domestic Cats (Felis catus)
Author:<\/strong> Ma\u00edra Ingrit Gestrich-Frank<\/a>
Supervisor:<\/strong> Fl\u00e1via Pereira Tirelli<\/a>
Co-supervisor<\/strong>: Maria Jo\u00e3o Veloso da Costa Ramos Pereira<\/a>
Program\/Unit: <\/strong>Graduate Program in Animal Biology \u2013 Institute of Biosciences, UFRGS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Translated into English Vict\u00f3ria Lenz Menezes<\/strong>, undergraduate student enrolled in the course \u201cSupervised Translation Training II (English)\u201d of the Undergraduate Program in Language and Literature, under the supervision and translation revision of Professor Elizamari R. Becker (P.h.D.) \u2013 IL\/UFRGS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

:: Read in Portuguese<\/strong>
Pesquisa revela mudan\u00e7as na rela\u00e7\u00e3o entre gatos e tutores ap\u00f3s pandemia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore the full section In English<\/strong> <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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