Factors associated with play behavior in human-cat dyads

Play is a common behavior, often exhibited within human-cat dyads. Play is a behavior that may have numerous benefits to both cat and human, including within the realms of social cooperation and inter-species communication. However, little is known about human-cat play and foundational information is needed. The current study aimed to investigate total daily play durations, play session lengths, and the factors associated with play times in human-cat dyads.An online survey was developed using demographic information, questions related to play times, re-sources available to the cat, games played with the cat, free text sections and the following validated measures: cat quality of life (QOL), the cat owner relationship scale (CORS) and the human adult playful-ness trait scale (APTS).Regression analysis was conducted using SPSS 26. Responses were completed by 1,591 cat guardians from 55 countries. Total daily play times and play session lengths were both significantly higher in human-cat dyads where the cat was younger in age, the guardian reported playing a larger diversity of games with the cat, and the guardian reported expe-riencing a closer relationship with their cat. Some guardians reported avoiding play during times when they were too busy or due to fears over incurring injuries.The amount of play available in human-cat dyads may have an effect on establishing and maintaining social bonds between cats and their humans. Further research into understanding play within human-cat dyads and how it affects inter-species relationships is needed.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Play is a common behavior observed in human-cat interactions and can benefit both the cat and the human in terms of social cooperation and inter-species communication. However, there is limited knowledge about human-cat play and further research is necessary. This study aimed to investigate the duration and factors associated with play in human-cat interactions. The results showed that total daily play times and play session lengths were higher when the cat was younger in age, the guardian played a greater variety of games with the cat, and the guardian had a closer relationship with their cat.