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Author Griffin, B.
Title The use of fecal markers to facilitate sample collection in group-housed cats Type Journal Article
Year 2002 Publication Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Abbreviated Journal Contemp Top Lab Anim Sci
Volume 41 Issue 2 Pages 51-56
Keywords Animals; Behavior, Animal; Biological Markers/*analysis; Cats/*physiology/psychology; Diet/veterinary; Feces/*chemistry; Food Coloring Agents/analysis; Housing, Animal; Individuality; Plastics/analysis; Specimen Handling/methods/*veterinary
Abstract The provision of proper social housing is a priority when designing an experiment using domestic cats as laboratory animals. When animals are group-housed, studies requiring analysis of stool samples from individual subjects pose difficulty in sample collection and identification. In this study, commercially available concentrated food colorings (known as bakers pastes) were used as fecal markers in group-housed cats. Cats readily consumed 0.5 ml of bakers paste food coloring once daily in canned cat food. Colorings served as fecal markers by imparting a distinct color to each cat s feces, allowing identification in the litter box. In addition, colored glitter (1/8 teaspoon in canned food) was fed to cats and found to be a reliable fecal marker. Long-term feeding of colorings and glitter was found to be safe and effective at yielding readily identifiable stools.
Address Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama 36841, USA
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1060-0558 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:11958604 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4165
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