IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group Library

IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library

View printer friendly
Roesch, H.
Olfactory environmental enrichment of felids and the potential uses of conspecific odours
2003 Full Book
The potential of olfactory stimulation as a tool for the environmental enrichment of captive felids was investigated at Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch. Six cheetah (_Acinonyx jubatus_), two serval (_Felis serval_) and one tiger (_Panthera tigris_) were given various scents: male domestic cat urine; a synthetic analogue of domestic cat facial pheromone; mouse odour; peppermint and catnip, in order to determine whether scent as as environmental enrichment can effectively modify felid behaviour. All of the scents elicited a response that was significantly different to the control presentation. The synthetic feline facial pheromone elicited the greatest response, particularly from the females in the study. However, despite these results, the interest shown in the scents was limited, and due to the small sample size and other constrictions that arise from working with a zoo, the effectiveness of scent as a tool for environmental enrichment remains inconclusive and further research is needed.
	PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here