Jungle C.A.T.S.: The redesigning of a feline husbandry system for an animal research facility

Author(s): Glendenning, Heather
Degree: M.E.Des.
Year: 2006
Pages: 00143
Institution: University of Calgary (Canada); 0026
Source: MAI, 46, no. 05 (2006): p. 2745
Standard No: ISBN: 978-0-494-37654-6
Abstract: The medical industry and the search of cures for the illnesses and diseases of our time is a growing concern for many people within our society. According to Statistics Canada, research and development in the healthcare field has gained importance in Canada within the past several decades. Behind the scenes, but fundamental to medical progress thus far, there exists a large and often forgotten or invisible aspect to the biomedical research field. This is animal based biomedical research. Good science and good animal care are inseparable.

This MDP project explores the animal care aspect of this formula and attempts to identify problem areas with respect to the living and working environments that could in fact be negatively impacting the animals' level of care and the staffs' level of productivity.

This MDP examines the care and use of laboratory cats within an existing animal research facility and uncovers the reasons that necessitate a redesign of the living environment for the cats, the working environment for the animal care staff that care for them, and ultimately the success of a medical research vivarium facility.

This MDP has developed guidelines and has conceptually redesigned a 'cat enclosure' while reorganizing a cat room in an existing facility. These conceptual changes could in turn directly influence the possible research outcomes and the potential discovery of a cure. When placed in that context, this MDP becomes an important link in the chain for animal and human welfare in the framework of biomedical research.

Keywords. animal based research, animal care technicians, animal enclosure design, ARC, biomedical research, cats, cat play structure, CCAC, emotional design, environmental enrichment, ergonomics, feline living environment, human working environment, human factors, laboratory environment, micro architecture, physical needs, psychological needs, social needs, tree house, vivarium.