Malini Suchak, PhD, is advancing her research related to reducing stress in cats, courtesy of a new grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The associate professor of animal behavior, ecology and conservation (ABEC) will use the $12,280 ASPCA award to increase the use of accelerometers (i.e. specifically designed FitBits for cats) to monitor the daily behaviors of cats housed in animal shelters, as well as in foster homes.
Suchak developed the activity logger and a corresponding algorithm in 2021 as a way to gather data remotely. Based on her findings, Suchak will identify strategies that animal shelters can use to reduce stress in cats.
“Improving their welfare while in the shelter is essential for facilitating timely adoption, as cats who are comfortable and well-adjusted are more likely to be adopted into new homes,” Suchak explains.
This is Suchak’s second grant in support of her research. The Charlotte and Williams Parks Foundation for Animal Welfare awarded her funding for the project in summer 2021. She is collaborating on the research with Christy Hoffman, PhD, associate professor of ABEC.
