Royal Canin and HABRI Partner to Highlight the Importance of Cat Urinary Health and the Human-Animal Bond | Press Room | HABRI

Royal Canin and HABRI Partner to Highlight the Importance of Cat Urinary Health and the Human-Animal Bond

Royal Canin and HABRI Partner to Highlight the Importance of Cat Urinary Health and the Human-Animal Bond

Washington, D.C. (August 15, 2022) — The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Royal Canin have teamed up to protect the human-cat bond by delivering important information to cat owners about their cats’ urinary health.

“Research shows that house soiling is the #1 reason that cats are relinquished to a shelter[1], yet many cats presenting to veterinary clinics with lower urinary signs are diagnosed with a medical condition,” said Dr. Angela Hughes DVM PhD, Scientific Communications Veterinarian for Royal Canin. “Royal Canin is focused on improving cat health and welfare by educating current and future cat owners about the importance of cats’ urinary health.”

Studies show that 60% of cat owners say they only take their cat to the veterinarian when they notice something is wrong[2], but cats are notorious for hiding pain, making it difficult for owners to recognize a health issue. For example, over 90% of cats with feline lower urinary tract signs have blood in their urine indicating a medical condition, but less than half of owners recognize the signs[3].  Instead, these signs may be misinterpreted as a behavioral issue, negatively impacting the human-cat bond.

“Helping cat owners stay curious and informed about their cat’s health, even when it comes to litter box behavior, leads to healthier, happier lives together,” said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. “Our cats do so much for us, which is why we need to do more for them.”

Research shows that cats can serve as a source of social and emotional support for their owners and can help reduce stress, support older adults as they age and improve heart rate and blood pressure. HABRI and Royal Canin are working to strengthen the human-animal bond and improve the veterinary care that cats receive by spotlighting the science of the human-animal bond and important information about cat health.

HABRI and Royal Canin have partnered together to create educational content, including an article, shareable infographic, a series of social media posts and a dedicated landing page all intended to provide cat owners with resources on cat care, the human-cat bond and more.

“Working with HABRI, our goal at Royal Canin is to educate cat owners about the benefits of the human-animal bond and provide meaningful solutions to improve cat health and care,” added Dr. Angela Hughes.

[1] Salman MD, Hutchison J, Ruch-gallie R, Kogan L, Kass PH, Scarlett JM. Behavioral Reasons for Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats to 12 Shelters. J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2000; 3(2):93-106.

2 2020 72 Point Survey Results

3 Dorsch R, Remer C, Sauter-Louis C, Hartmann K. Feline lower urinary tract disease in a German cat population. A retrospective analysis of demographic data, causes and clinical signs. Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere. 2014;42(4):231-239.

About Royal Canin

Royal Canin USA is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 50 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. In collaboration with an expert team of nutritionists, breeders and veterinarians from around the world, Royal Canin places cats and dogs at the central point of the innovation process. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed, lifestyle and therapeutic requirements. Royal Canin diets are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide. Royal Canin is a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated.

About HABRI

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is a not-for-profit organization that maintains the world’s largest online library of human-animal bond research and information; funds innovative research projects to scientifically document the health benefits of companion animals; and informs the public about human-animal bond research and the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information about HABRI, please visit www.habri.org.

Contact

Logan Trautman

logan@inspireprgroup.com

614.701.8205

Hayley Maynard

Hayley@inspireprgroup.com

614.701.8205

###

Press Releases
New National Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards Program Launched to Recognize Pet-Friendly Products and Programs

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced today it has launched the Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards, a new awards program to recognize companies and organizations that are implementing innovative products and practices designed to advance the human-animal bond and create a more pet-friendly society. “We know that there are companies and organizations throughout the country developing products and implementing practices that bring pets and people together in innovative ways,” said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI. “The Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards aim to not only celebrate these trailblazing organizations but also position them as models for others seeking to honor the human-animal bond.” “PetSmart Charities is excited to be the inaugural Presenting Sponsor for the Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards,” said Aimee Gilbreath, President of PetSmart Charities. “We want to shine a spotlight on all of the new and exciting ways to make the world a better place for pets and all who love them.” Nominees can be submitted in two different award categories: Products and Services: Recognizes companies or organizations creating products or services to enhance or strengthen the human-animal bond. Workplace Culture: Recognizes companies or organizations striving to create a pet-friendly workplace culture. “The award guidelines are written to encourage organizations and companies of all kinds to share how they support the human-animal bond,” said Feldman. “We know that innovations go beyond having pets in the workplace, and we can’t wait to learn about how leaders across industries are supporting the mutually-beneficial connection between people and pets.” Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted online at www.habri.org/hab-innovation-awards. Award winners will be selected at the discretion of an expert committee of pet care community leaders assembled by HABRI. The deadline for submission is July 8, 2022. Winners...

Press Releases
New Research to Support Unhoused Youth with Pets

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced today funding for a new research project that seeks to develop a multi-perspective strategy for reforming housing service systems to support unhoused young people with pets. This research will be conducted by the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. “We want to identify how to improve the policies of existing housing service systems to better support young people with pets who are unhoused,” said Erin Flynn, a Ph.D. student who will co-lead the project. “Through this research, we will synthesize the expertise of unhoused young people and service providers to develop a framework for housing systems to better protect the human-animal bond for this vulnerable population.” Every year, 4.2 million young people in the United States experience some level of homelessness, and unhoused people face higher risks of health problems, substance abuse, and depression. Scientific research demonstrates the health and developmental benefits of pet ownership for young people, ranging from better mental health and quality of life to improved physical health. Pets may be especially likely to benefit vulnerable populations such as unhoused youth. Many young people experiencing homelessness describe their pets as family members and experience distress when they perceive this relationship is not being respected by housing services. A lack of pet-friendly policies leaves unhoused young people with pets excluded from housing, health, and other related services. Young people have reported delaying seeking help or refusing services altogether if it meant they would be separated from their pets. Erin Flynn will be joined by co-Principal Investigator Laura Coddington, also a Ph.D. student of the Graduate School of Social Work, and Co-Investigators Dr. Kimberly Bender and Dr. Jennifer Wilson. Researchers will conduct in-depth interviews with unhoused young people and housing service providers in the Denver, CO...

Press Releases
Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group™ Supports Human-Animal Bond Research

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced today that Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group™, one of the oldest U.S. providers of pet health insurance, has become an official supporter of HABRI and its research on the human health benefits of companion animals. “For twenty years, we’ve been committed to helping people get access to reliable and affordable pet insurance coverage,” said Bob Capobianco, Senior Vice President, Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group. “Supporting HABRI research is important because it connects the positive impact that pets play in our lives, and closely aligns with the work we do to help pets live longer and healthier.” “HABRI is thrilled to welcome Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group as a supporter,” said Steven Feldman, Executive Director of HABRI. “From HABRI research, we know that pets are considered part of the family, and that the growing importance of pets in our lives has driven demand for pet-inclusive policies and benefits at home, in the workplace, and beyond. Pet health insurance plays a key role in strengthening the human-animal bond and supporting the needs of our furry family members, and HABRI is thrilled to be working with Crum & Forster to help more people and pets benefit from healthy human-animal bonds.” Scientific evidence increasingly shows that pets improve heart health, alleviate depression, increase well-being, support child health and development, and contribute to healthy aging. In addition, companion animals can assist in the treatment of a broad range of conditions from post-traumatic stress to Alzheimer’s disease to autism spectrum disorder. The benefits of the human-animal bond impact more than just human health. Findings from a recent HABRI survey of 2,000 pet owners demonstrate that knowledge of the scientific research on the human-animal bond motivates pet owners to take better care of their pets. From providing pets with higher quality nutrition to purchasing...

HABRI