Table 7.
Guardian-reported cat behaviour changes when play was withheld, reported by guardians (n = 468). Guardians could report more than one behaviour change. Based on online survey responses between June 22nd and July 17th, 2021
| Behaviour change associated with lack of play | n | % |
|---|---|---|
| Increased attention seeking behaviour | 104 | 22.2% |
| Increased vocalising | 73 | 15.6% |
| Reclusive behaviour | 49 | 10.5% |
| Increased destructive behaviour | 47 | 10.0% |
| Increased aggressive behaviour | 43 | 9.0% |
| Appearing grumpy | 34 | 7.3% |
| Restlessness | 28 | 6.0% |
| Increase in time spent sleeping | 17 | 3.6% |
| More likely to initiate play/bring toys to guardian | 16 | 3.4% |
| Increased ‘zoomies’ | 16 | 3.4% |
| Re-directs playfulness to household cats | 15 | 3.2% |
| Appears to be ‘sad’ | 14 | 3.0% |
| More likely to interrupt guardians sleep time | 13 | 2.8% |