MEDIA RELEASE

 iPad TV proving a big hit with cats waiting for a home

 

A trial of 50 cats and kittens has shown felines who spend them watching their favourite shows are more likely to be adopted and well socialised.

 

Lort Smith’s Adoption Centre in Campbellfield has just finished a trial using iPads and TV to socialise cats and kittens in order to get them ready for adoption.

 

Spokesperson for Lort Smith Animal Hospital, Suzana Talevski, said the trial involved cats and kittens which were shut down and not willing to interact with staff; meaning they had less chance of adoption.

 

‘’Following the introduction of ipads and TV in their enclosures the cats and kittens become increasingly social and happy,’’ said Ms Talevski.

 

‘’The program will now be rolled out across the Lort Smith adoption centre as a tool for enrichment and positive mental health well being.’’

 

The cats favourite viewing included squirrels, fish and games of tennis.

 

‘’Cats are naturally drawn to movement, so anything with colour and action on screen is sure to interest our feline friends,’’ said Ms Talevski.

 

‘’Many of the animals arriving at shelters tend to suffer some sort of separation anxiety so this type of enrichment has shown to alleviate that greatly.

 

It should be noted however that cats and kittens need a variety of sensory experiences and watching TV should not solely replace all other exercise routines such as scratching post and ball games.’’

 

MEDIA INTERVIEWS & CONTACT

Suzana Talevski: Head of Media and Digital Content, Lort Smith
Mobile: 0403 047 945
Email: [email protected]