Welcome to the Feline Futures research program! We conduct research on various aspects of kitten socialization, behavioural development, and the human-animal bond with the ultimate goal of improving feline welfare. We apply an interdisciplinary approach using quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a holistic understanding of the factors influencing the well-being of kittens and cats and their human companions.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Courtney Graham
Assistant Professor, One Welfare, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
I joined the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) as Assistant Professor in October 2023 after completing my PhD at OVC in the Department of Population Medicine in January 2023. My research focuses on the the behavioural development of kittens, optimizing socialization, and the human-animal bond. I completed my MSc in the Animal Welfare Program at the University of British Columbia studying the social behaviour and welfare of laboratory zebrafish in enriched tanks and my BSc in Geography at the University of Victoria (BC).
Education:
PhD Epidemiology, Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
Dissertation: Purrfecting kitten welfare in foster care: Impacts of early life experiences on fear behaviour in kittens
MSc Applied Animal Biology, Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia
Thesis: Exploratory behaviour in laboratory zebrafish : potential benefits of exploring the unknown
BSc Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Victoria
Summer Students
Riley Furoy, DVM Student
I am a DVM student at the Ontario Veterinary College (Class of 2027) with a special interest in feline medicine and behaviour. As a vet student and future clinician, I am particularly passionate about closing the gap between knowledge and practice to make Fear Free and Cat Friendly approaches the standard of care for all companion animals. I recently founded the OVC Feline Medicine Club (Student Chapter of the American Association of Feline Practitioners) to increase feline learning opportunities for students and ultimately improve the standard of care provided to cats and advance their health and wellbeing. During Summer 2024 I am working on a project within the Feline Futures Research Program (Graham Lab) investigating the impact of enhanced handling in foster care on kitten stress behaviour in a mock exam. I was drawn to this project after recognizing the need to improve feline veterinary experiences for the welfare of the animal, their caregivers, and veterinary teams. Throughout the year I also volunteer at community veterinary clinics and have an interest in community medicine and improving access to care for underserved communities. I look forward to exploring other opportunities to help animals, people, and communities thrive.