Manejo del estrés en gatos de refugio mediante el uso de feromona F3 facial en la examinación veterinaria.

Abstract

This mixed research study assessed behaviour changes in cats living in shelters during physical examinations by using synthetic feline facial pheromone F3 for adequate stress reduction, as regards the need to establish how effective these synthetic pheromones are for treatment of these animals in these kinds of situations. Accordingly, this descriptive, quasi-experimental research study was carried out at the Fundación Amigos con Cola in Guayaquil, from November through December 2021; it had a sample of 70 cats divided into two groups of 35 individuals, in proportionate stratified sampling in relation to their location, and it was divided into four phases: registration and setting, including the interview with the owner of the foundation; control group selection; experimental group selection; and the statistical analysis of feline stress using the Cat-Stress-Score by Kessler and Turner. The findings from the first phase show a population of 84 cats, which was reduced to 70 ones because of deaths, adoptions or euthanasia. The findings from the second and third phases reveal that this synthetic pheromone does reduce stress levels in the experimental group cats, compared to those ones in the control group, which has greatly facilitated to perform physical examination. The fourth phase findings establish a statistical significance (p-value <0.01) between the level of stress and the use of the pheromone. In conclusion, the use of synthetic feline facial pheromone F3 does help reduce stress in cats during physical examination which differs with different investigations within the area.