Do domestic cats groom more in Artificial Light At Night (ALAN)?

Introduction

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is an increasingly prevalent anthropogenic issue that alters circadian rhythms and induces neuro-behavioural issues in several animals. Self-grooming or grooming in mammals is a robust, innate behaviour which is established as an indicator of neurological stress. The present study aimed to examine the effect of ALAN on the grooming behavioural pattern in domestic cats.

Methods

The research follows an approach to assessing grooming activity patterns over time under normal conditions at day and ALAN exposure. The artificial light was normal house LED light with an intensity of about 40 lux (on average). Behavioural data were collected through video recordings conducted twice daily. Videos were analysed to quantify grooming frequency, duration, and type (licking, scratching with limbs, or scratching with mouth/teeth).

Results

Preliminary analyses revealed that frequency of grooming bouts increased notably under ALAN or prolonged night light exposure, in compared to natural daylight conditions. Cats, regardless of gender, preferentially rest in shaded regions when exposed to ALAN, suggesting avoidance of artificial light exposure behaviour. Among grooming types, licking dominated over scratching.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that ALAN elicits neuro-behavioural stress responses in domestic cats, reflected through the heightened grooming activity and light-avoidance behaviour. The pronounced increase in nocturnal grooming under artificial illumination indicates that chronic exposure to nightlight, can potentially cause circadian disruption and manifest stress-related behavioural patterns. Furthermore, it is of evolutionary importance that how the domesticated cats adapt to light pollution. Research integrating physiological stress markers could clarify the mechanistic links between ALAN exposure and altered stress-related behaviour in cats.