Validation of a cognitive test battery for cats.

We have described previously a battery of cognitive tests that permit us to objectively assess cognitive function in dogs; however, similar multi-domain tests are not available for cats. The aim of this study was to validate a test battery for cats modeled after those developed for dogs. The tasks were intended to assess a variety of cognitive domains, including learning ability, executive function, visuospatial learning and working memory. Kittens (N 5 16; 4.5 6 0.1 months) were tested on the following tasks: positional discrimination learning and reversal in a t-maze apparatus; object discrimination learning and reversal; and a delayed- non-matching-to-position task (DNMP). More errors were committed on the reversal phase of both the positional dis- crimination and object discrimination tests. Several of the cats also showed DNMP learning within the time-frame of the study. Cats committed more errors on both reversal tests compared to the respective learning test, which is con- sistent with the greater demands of this executive function test. Executive function is a high level cognitive ability that changes with development in rodents, dogs, non-human pri- mates and humans. This study demonstrates the feasibility of developing neuropsychological tests for cats that produce data consistent with that obtained in other species and that will be useful for examining cognitive changes that occur in feline development. Key words: cat; cognitive function; executive function; learning; memory; neuropsychological test battery