Cute Crocheted Hats May Help Scientists Learn More About a Cat's Brain
Scientists are using adorable custom-made crocheted hats to help them learn more about a cat's brain and their pain receptors.
According to New Scientist, researchers are hoping to learn more about cats and specifically about treating their chronic pain. A crocheted hat might be the key. Here's what we know.
The purpose of the crocheted hats for cats is to allow the researchers to record electrical activity in the brains of awake cats.
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This has been a big challenge in the cast since cats tend to rip off the electrodes, which means the researchers haven't been able to collect enough reliable data.
Now, with the hats, the electrodes needed to record the electrical activity can hold those electrodes in place.
With the electrodes in place, researchers can learn more about the cat's chronic pain, which, hopefully, will lead to some viable treatment options, says Aude Castel, a researcher at the University of Montreal.
According to New Scientist, approximately a quarter of adult cats live with chronic pain. This is typically due to osteoarthritis, which worsens with age. Castel is hoping to find treatment options that help reduce pain since the current treatment options are limited and can involve many side effects.
Castel and her research team hope the electrodes will allow them to complete an Electroencephalogram (EEG). This painless test can help assess how treatment is going since it marks the brain's response to stimulation and pain.
Until now, EEGs on cats have been done with them sedated, but now, with the crocheted hats, the cats can be awake, allowing the team to learn more about how their brains work.
"The EEG recordings in the awake cats were mostly usable, although a few still had too much interference from the cats’ head movements," New Scientist explains. "Even so, the results allowed the team to determine critical brain activity related to the cats’ pain levels and reactions to various smells and colored lighting."
How Can You Tell When a Cat is in Pain?
When people are in pain, we have straightforward ways of letting them know, and there are often signs.
Some of us will show it in our faces with a scared frown or a mad mix of facial expressions.
Our body language says a lot, too, plus we can tell someone how we're feeling and get some help.
But when it comes to cats, we cannot read their pain on their faces as easily, nor can we ask our cats what they feel. So, how can we tell they're in pain?
According to the Metropolitan Veterinary Center, some symptoms your cat might be in pain include:
changes in their behavior
a marked decrease in activity and energy
they spend less time grooming
they pee or poop outside of the litter box
decrease in eating and drinking
"Cats are the consummate pros when it comes to hiding their pain and discomfort, but, as a loving pet parent, you can become a master of detecting even the most subtle signs," the veterinarian's office explains.
If you're ever concerned, the best plan of action is to take them to your vet and get an expert opinion on your particular situation.
