The platform “Austrian Veterinarians for Animal Welfare” (ÖTT) awarded the ÖTT Animal Welfare Research Award for further development of knowledge-based animal welfare for the second time as part of this year’s 14th ÖTT Conference.
The two scientists Dr. Christina Arhant and Dr. Lydia Pratsch were awarded prize money of 3,000 euros for their studies on “Cats safe and relaxed on the way to the veterinary practice – from science to practice”. The two veterinarians, who specialise in behavioural medicine, dedicated their work to measures to reduce transport stress and the veterinary handling of cats. They were able to show that cats that received transport training using positive reinforcement were less stressed during the car journey and that the subsequent examination in the veterinary practice could be carried out more quickly. In order to implement a fear- and stress-free visit to the vet, adjustments to the infrastructure (such as increased storage spaces for cat baskets in the waiting area), de-escalating body language and the least possible restraint of the animals were shown.
Based on scientific evidence, recommendations for pet owners as well as veterinarians could be developed so that cats feel comfortable on the road and in the veterinary practice and receive the best possible medical care. In addition to publications in specialist journals, a free brochure and 4 videos were developed, which are freely accessible on the Vetmeduni Vienna website.