U.S. patent application number 14/517102 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for animal litter containing a pheromone composition.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark Levin, John McGlone.
Application Number | 20160106058 14/517102 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55747413 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160106058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGlone; John ; et
al. |
April 21, 2016 |
ANIMAL LITTER CONTAINING A PHEROMONE COMPOSITION
Abstract
An animal litter composition comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal is
described for the modification and reduction of dominant behaviors
in household animals.
Inventors: |
McGlone; John; (Lubbock,
TX) ; Levin; Mark; (Papillion, NE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc. |
Omaha |
NE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55747413 |
Appl. No.: |
14/517102 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
119/172 ;
119/171; 119/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 1/0152 20130101;
A01K 1/0154 20130101; A01K 1/0155 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 1/015 20060101
A01K001/015 |
Claims
1. An animal litter composition comprising a litter material and a
pheromone composition, the pheromone composition comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal.
2. The animal litter composition of claim 1, wherein the pheromone
composition comprises from between about 0.0004% (w/w) to about 1%
(w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
3. The animal litter composition of claim 2, wherein the pheromone
composition comprises from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 0.1%
(w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
4. The animal litter composition of claim 2, wherein the pheromone
composition comprises from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 0.05%
(w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
5. The animal litter composition of claim 2, wherein the pheromone
composition comprises from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 0.03%
(w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
6. The animal litter composition of claim 1, wherein the pheromone
composition further comprises at least one solvent.
7. The animal litter composition of claim 6, wherein the pheromone
composition comprises from between about between about 0.5% (w/w)
to about 99.99% (w/w) of at least one solvent.
8. The animal litter composition of claim 6, wherein the at least
one solvent in the pheromone composition is selected from the group
consisting of lipophilic organic diluents, alcohols, ethylene
glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ether, chloroform,
benzene, carbon disulfide, non-volatile oils, volatile liquids,
water, and combinations thereof.
9. The animal litter composition of claim 8, wherein the at least
one solvent comprises an alcohol selected from the group consisting
of ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol,
heptanol, octanol, and phenyl ethyl alcohol.
10. The animal litter composition of claim 9, wherein the alcohol
is selected from the group consisting of ethanol or
isopropanol.
11. The animal litter composition of claim 9, wherein the pheromone
composition comprises from between about 1% (w/w) to about 20%
(w/w) alcohol.
12. The animal litter composition of claim 1, wherein the pheromone
composition further comprises an additional component selected from
the group consisting of a surfactant, a thickener, a fragrance, an
odor remover, and combinations thereof.
13. The animal litter composition of claim 1, wherein the pheromone
composition further comprises at least one additional
pheromone.
14. The animal litter composition of claim 1, wherein the litter
composition comprises from between about 0.0001% (w/w) to about
0.01% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
15. The animal litter composition of claim 1, wherein the litter
composition comprises about 0.0006% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
16. The animal litter composition of claim 1, wherein the litter
composition comprises about 0.0004% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
17. The animal litter composition of claim 1, wherein the litter
material is selected from the group consisting of clay, wood chips,
plant stalk, sawdust, paper, grain, corncob, citrus peel, grass
straw, polymer, and combinations thereof.
18. The animal litter composition of claim 1, wherein the litter
composition is suitable for use with household animals.
19. An animal litter composition comprising a litter material and a
pheromone composition, wherein the pheromone composition comprises
from between about 0.0004% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal and the litter composition comprises from
between about 0.0001% (w/w) to about 0.01% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal.
20. An animal litter composition comprising a litter material and
molded particles, wherein the molded particles comprise a pheromone
composition comprising from between about 0.0004% (w/w) to about 1%
(w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal, and the litter composition comprises from
between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 15% (w/w) molded particles.
21. A method for reducing dominant behavior in household animals
for a period of time using an animal litter composition, the method
comprising: incorporating a pheromone composition comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal into an animal litter material to form the
animal litter composition.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the pheromone composition
comprises from between about 0.001% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the animal litter composition
comprises from between about 0.0001% (w/w) to about 0.1% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein dominant behaviors comprise
litter box dominance, aggression, and anxiety.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein incorporating the pheromone
composition into the animal litter material comprises spraying the
pheromone composition onto the animal litter material.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein the incorporating the pheromone
composition into the animal litter material comprises mixing molded
particles comprising the pheromone composition into the animal
litter material.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the molded particles are
selected from pellets, spheres, microspheres, beads, microbeads,
bubbles, microbubbles, flakes or granules.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the molded particles are bead
shaped.
29. The method of claim 26, wherein the molded particles are
between about 0.02'' and about 0.1'' in diameter.
30. The method of claim 26, wherein the animal litter composition
comprises from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 15% (w/w) molded
particles.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the animal litter composition
comprises about 2% (w/w) molded particles.
32. The method of claim 26, wherein the molded particles comprise
from between about 0.001% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the molded particles comprise
from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 0.05% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the molded particles comprise
from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 0.03% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal.
35. The method of claim 21, wherein the animal litter material is
selected from the group consisting of clay, organic material,
polymers, silica gel, and combinations thereof.
36. The method of claim 21, wherein the pheromone composition
further comprises at least one organic solvent.
37. The method of claim 21, wherein the pheromone composition
further comprises an additional component selected from the group
consisting of a surfactant, a thickener, a fragrance, an odor
remover and combinations thereof.
38. The method of claim 21, wherein the pheromone composition
comprises at least one additional pheromone.
39. The method of claim 21, wherein the period of time is from
between about 8 hours to about 4 weeks.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the period of time is from
between about 24 hours to about 48 hours.
41. A method of using an animal litter composition to reduce
dominant behaviors in household animals for a period of time, the
method comprising: incorporating a pheromone composition comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal into an animal litter material to form an animal
litter composition; and exposing the household animal to the animal
litter composition, the amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal being present
in the animal litter composition in an amount of from between about
0.0001% (w/w) to about 0.1% (w/w).
42. A method of making an animal litter composition, wherein the
method comprises: preparing a pheromone composition comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal; incorporating a pheromone composition into
animal litter material to form the animal litter composition,
wherein the pheromone composition comprises from between about
0.0004% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal, and the litter
composition comprises from between about 0.00001% (w/w) to about
0.1% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
43. A method of making an animal litter composition, wherein the
method comprises: a) preparing a polymeric formulation comprising
an amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal, an amount of a polymer, and
optionally an amount of additives; b) extruding the polymeric
formulation to form molded particles; and c) mixing the molded
particles into an animal litter material, wherein the litter
composition comprises from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 15%
(w/w) molded particles.
44. A method of making an animal litter composition, wherein the
method comprises: a) preparing a polymeric formulation comprising
an amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal, an amount of a polymer, and
optionally an amount of additives; b) extruding the polymeric
formulation to form a polymeric matrix; c) forming the polymeric
matrix into molded particles; and d) mixing the molded particles
into an animal litter material, wherein the litter composition
comprises from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 15% (w/w) molded
particles.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the polymeric formulation
comprises from between about 0.001% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal and from between about 50% (w/w) to about 99.99%
(w/w) of a polymer, and optionally from between about 0.0001% (w/w)
to and about 5% (w/w) of additives.
46. The method of claim 44, wherein the polymer is selected from
the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene
acid copolymers, ethylene acrylates, polyurethanes,
styrene-butadiene, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyolefin, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate esters, silicon polymer,
and combinations thereof.
47. The method of claim 44, wherein the additives are selected from
the group consisting of plasticizers, stabilizers, fragrances,
deodorants, coloring agents, synergists, lubricants, fillers,
preservatives, antioxidants, light stabilizers, and combinations
thereof.
48. The method of claim 44, wherein the molded particles are
selected from pellets, spheres, microspheres, beads, microbeads,
bubbles, microbubbles, flakes or granules.
49. A method of making an animal litter composition, wherein the
method comprises: a) preparing a pheromone composition comprising
an amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal, an amount of a solvent, and
optionally an amount of additives; and b) spraying litter material
with the pheromone composition, wherein the animal litter
composition comprises from between about 0.0001% (w/w) to about
0.01% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
50. A method for reducing dominant behavior in household animals
for a period of time using a pheromone composition, the method
comprising: placing a pheromone composition comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal near an animal litter material.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure is broadly concerned with the field
of animal behavior and the use of pheromones. More particularly,
the present disclosure is directed to the use of 2-methylbut-2-enal
(a rabbit pheromone) in an animal litter, the 2-methylbut-2-enal
being found to be useful in reducing litter dominance behaviors
including aggression, soiling outside of a litter box, and anxiety,
in household animals which are litter box trained, such as
cats.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One of the more commonplace items found in markets and homes
today are animal litters which are sold for the purpose of
receiving and absorbing (and/or adsorbing) urine and feces,
liquid-containing animal waste, eliminated by household domestic
animals; and particularly for small animals such as dogs, cats,
mice, hamsters, and birds, that are typically kept in family homes
or otherwise raised indoors in a household environment. Such litter
materials are usually placed in containers termed "litter boxes";
and after a certain amount of time and usage by the animal has
elapsed, the soiled litter material is disposed of and then
replaced with clean litter material.
[0003] Cats are a non-packing, social species that form colonies
based on the availability of resources such as food, resting sites,
and litter boxes. In a household having multiple cats, the cats in
a group quickly establish a social hierarchy by forming dominant
and subordinate relationships, often through overt aggression. The
dominant cat then maintains control of the resources (such as
litter box, food and water) by marking with urine to indicate a
territory, or lying down in the path to prevent other cats from
accessing the resources. This behavior by the dominant animal often
forces the subordinate animals to defecate or urinate outside of
the litter box, or in alternative locations in the house in order
to avoid negative interactions with the dominant cat. Moreover,
when new cats are introduced into a household, the new animal must
either accept a subordinate position in the hierarchy or force
itself into the top position by fighting aggressively with the
dominant animal and defending its territory. The presence of new
cats causes stress and anxiety for both the dominant and the
subordinate cats which triggers even more urine marking,
elimination outside of the litter box, and other interactional
aggressive behaviors in order to defend their social status.
[0004] Limited resources available in multi-cat households are
often a cause of conflict or behavioral issues. (See Crowell-Davis
et al. (2004) "Social organization in the cat: a modern
understanding." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 6:19-28).
The presence of other cats in a household can cause stress and
anxiety for both the dominant and the subordinate cats. Aggression
and soiling outside the litter box are common issues encountered in
multi-cat households, accounting for approximately 75% of cats
being relinquished to animal shelters. Dominant behaviors are also
often seen in other domestic or companion animals notwithstanding
their packing nature, in some instance, associated with high level
of certain hormone in certain period of time.
[0005] Methods currently used in the art to alleviate the litter
box dominance issues due have been passive at best. The most common
solution is to increase the number to litter boxes in the home and
place multiple food stations at opposite ends of the house so that
the dominant cat cannot control both paths at the same time. Some
cat owners also put a bell on the collar of the dominant cat to
allow the subordinate cat(s) to hear it coming and avoid it when
necessary. When introducing new cats into the household, a slow
integration over a long period of time is often tried to avoid
disrupting the established social hierarchy so that litter box
issues are not exacerbated. Additionally, off-label uses of
anti-anxiety medicine, not approved for use in cats, have often
been tried by cat owners to reduce the stress, anxiety or fear
experienced by cats grouped in one household in order to stop urine
marking, litter dominance and other negative behaviors derived from
the "packing stress." However, the downside of using these
off-label drugs includes carries potentially significant side
effects, such as sedation, weight gain, urine retention, cardiac
arrhythmias, and liver problems. As such, pet owners must obtain a
veterinarian's supervision and subject their cats to blood tests at
regular intervals in order to evaluate for side effects.
[0006] It will be readily appreciated therefore, that a litter
formulation which includes a behavior modifying pheromone to
positively reduce or eliminate dominant behavior or aggression
among multiple household animals would be seen as a major advance
and improvement in such preparations. In particular, there is a
need in the art for use of an animal litter comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal to alleviate or eliminate dominant behaviors
such as litter box dominance among multiple animals, such as cats,
living in a single household, which litter composition calms the
animals, reduces anxiety, stops urine marking, and prevents
negative and aggressive inter-animal interactions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel
animal litter composition useful in the reduction and/or
modification of litter dominance behavior among household animals,
wherein the animal litter composition comprises
2-methylbut-2-enal.
[0008] In a first embodiment, the animal litter composition
comprises a polymeric material, the polymeric material comprising a
pheromone composition, which composition comprises
2-methylbut-2-enal.
[0009] In a second embodiment, the animal litter composition
comprises a pheromone composition, the pheromone composition
comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal, a carrier solvent, and optionally
other ingredients as necessary or desired, such as, for example,
fragrances, coloring agents, preservatives, antioxidants, and the
like.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for reducing dominant behavior in household animals for a
period of time, the method comprising incorporating a pheromone
composition comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal into an animal litter
material to form an animal litter composition.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for modifying or reducing dominant behaviors in household
animals for a period of time, the method comprising incorporating
into litter material a pheromone composition comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal, the 2-methylbut-2-enal being present in the
pheromone composition in an amount effective to modify the behavior
of cats.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method of using an animal litter composition to reduce dominant
behaviors in household animals for a period of time, the method
comprising: incorporating a pheromone composition comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal into an animal litter material to form an animal
litter composition; and exposing the household animal to the animal
litter composition, the amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal being present
in the animal litter composition in an amount of from between about
0.00001% (w/w) to about 0.1% (w/w).
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide for a
method of making an animal litter composition comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal, the method comprising incorporating a pheromone
composition into animal litter material to form the animal litter
composition, wherein the pheromone composition comprises from
between about 0.0004% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal,
and the litter composition comprises from between about 0.00001%
(w/w) to about 0.1% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
[0014] In one embodiment, the method for making an animal litter
composition comprises the steps of: preparing a polymeric
formulation comprising an amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal an amount of
a polymer, and optionally an amount of additives; extruding the
polymeric formulation into a shaped polymeric matrix; molding the
polymeric matrix into molded particles; and mixing the molded
particles into animal litter material, wherein the litter
composition comprises from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 15%
(w/w) molded particles.
[0015] Alternatively, method for making an animal litter
composition may comprise the steps of: preparing a polymeric
formulation comprising an amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal, an amount
of a polymer, and optionally an amount of additives; extruding the
polymeric formulation into molded particles; and mixing the molded
particles into animal litter material, wherein the molded particles
comprises from between about 0.001% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal, and wherein the litter composition comprises
from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about 15% (w/w) molded
particles.
[0016] In a second embodiment, the method for making an animal
litter composition comprises the steps of: preparing a pheromone
composition comprising an amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal a carrier
solvent, and optionally an amount of additives; and spraying the
pheromone composition onto an animal litter material, wherein the
animal litter composition comprises from between about 0.00001%
(w/w) to about 0.1% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
[0017] It is both unexpected and surprising that
2-methylbut-2-enal, a chemical which is known to be a pheromone in
rabbits, can have a strong positive behavioral or physiological
effect on members of other vertebrate species, such as cats, since
pheromones are, by definition, functional only within the species
from which they are emitted.
[0018] Various objects and advantages of this use will become
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a graphic representation of litter preference by
the cats, when the litter was treated with Androstenone (ANDRO),
cat urinary pheromone (CAT, 3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol), rabbit
pheromone (RP, 2-methylbut-2-enal) and the combination of cat
urinary pheromone and rabbit pheromone (CAT+RP).
[0020] FIG. 2A is a graphic representation of the time by treatment
interactions over a 24 hour period for lying/sitting-touching
behavior displayed by cats exposed to the 2-methylbut-2-enal
treated litter compared to the control litter; "*" Indicates a
significant difference in means (P<0.05) (same below).
[0021] FIG. 2B is a graphic representation of the time by treatment
interactions over a 24 hour period for aggression displayed by cats
exposed to the 2-methylbut-2-enal treated litter compared to the
control litter;
[0022] FIG. 2C is a graphic representation of the time by treatment
interactions over a 24 hour period for litter box use behavior
displayed by cats exposed to the 2-methylbut-2-enal treated litter
compared to the control litter;
[0023] FIG. 2D is a graphic representation of the time by treatment
interactions over a 24 hour period for neutral social interaction
displayed by cats exposed to the 2-methylbut-2-enal treated litter
compared to the control litter;
[0024] FIG. 2E is a graphic representation of showed the time by
treatment interactions over a 24 hour period for anxiety displayed
by cats exposed to the 2-methylbut-2-enal treated litter compared
to the control litter.
[0025] FIG. 3A is a graphic representation of the aggression
pattern near litter box during the first 6 hours (0-2, 2-4, 4-6
hours) after grouping of cats following exposure to control litter
and litter treated with 2-methylbut-2-enal. "*" Indicates a
significant difference in means (P<0.05).
[0026] FIG. 3B is a graphic representation of the aggression
pattern away from litter box during the first 6 hours (0-2, 2-4,
4-6 hours) after grouping of cats following exposure to control
litter and litter treated with 2-methylbut-2-enal. "*" Indicates a
significant difference in means (P<0.05).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention relates to the use of
2-methylbut-2-enal to modify the behavior of different vertebrate
species. Specifically, the present invention generally relates to
the incorporation of 2-methylbut-2-enal into an animal litter for
use by an animal species different from that which the pheromone is
naturally emitted (e.g., not a rabbit) in order to modify the
behavior of the animal.
[0028] An animal litter composition comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal
may be used to reduce litter dominance and inter-cat aggression
when multiple cats are living in a group within single household.
When 2-methylbut-2-enal is incorporated into the animal litter, the
animal exposed to the litter composition is calmed and less
dominant and aggressive when present in a group. Following exposure
to 2-methylbut-2-enal in litter, cats living in the same household
were observed to have less litter dominance and urine marking
problems, and the multiple cats were able to share the same litter
box and other nearby resources without exhibiting, or having fewer,
aggressive interactions towards each other.
[0029] It is both unexpected and surprising that
2-methylbut-2-enal, a rabbit pheromone, was observed to have such a
large and meaningful effect on animals that are not rabbits, since
pheromones are by definition species-specific. While pheromones are
chemical substances used for communication between individual
members of the same species, and which act as intraspecific
chemical messengers perceived primarily by the olfactory sense and
to a lesser extent, the gustatory sense of the animal, the present
invention is utilizing 2-methylbut-2-enal as an Interomone.RTM.. As
used herein, Interomone.RTM. means any naturally secreted or
synthetically produced chemical released by one species, which,
when administered to a member of a different vertebrate species,
elicits a change in behavior or physiology of the different species
with or without providing a benefit or harm to the species from
which the chemical is released.
[0030] Androstenone (as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No.
13/623,279 filed on Sep. 20, 2012) and 2-methylbut-2-enal are two
examples that have been observed to work in a cross-species manner;
however, the present invention has shown that 2-methylbut-2-enal,
but not Androstenone, is effective in reducing dominant and
aggressive behavior in cats. Other chemicals and their beneficial
cross-species use that may become apparent to those skilled in the
art following the teachings of the present invention are within the
scope of this invention. Accordingly, the incorporation of
2-methylbut-2-enal to animal litter has been found to unexpectedly
and surprisingly reduce behavior associated with litter box
dominance, urine or stool marking, and negative/aggressive
interactions among cats which exhibit stress, anxiety, and
aggression when housed in a group contrary to their nature as a
non-pack animal.
[0031] Incorporating 2-methylbut-2-enal into an animal litter can
be typically accomplished through any method allowing for delivery
of an effective amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal via inhalation by the
animal, for example: by mixing or incorporating into the litter
material a polymeric material that has been shaped into beads or
pellets comprising a polymeric matrix, which matrix comprises
2-methylbut-2-enal; by spraying a pheromone solution comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal directly onto the surface of a litter material
using an aerosol or pump spray; or by incorporating the pheromone
solution into suitable litter material (i.e., clay, wood chips,
plant stalk, sawdust, paper, grain, corncob, citrus peel, grass
straw, polymer, silica gel, and combinations thereof) during the
manufacture of the litter via impregnating, soaking or injection,
or any other methods known in the art. Additionally, mixing a dry
powder comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal into the litter, or placing
the pheromone composition comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal next to,
outside, near, or otherwise in general or close proximity to the
litter box, would also be useful in delivering an effective amount
of 2-methylbut-2-enal to an animal for use in controlling litter
dominance and other types of animal behavior.
[0032] I. Pheromone Composition
[0033] The animal litter composition of the present invention
comprises a pheromone composition, the pheromone composition
comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal. The 2-methylbut-2-enal may be the
natural pheromone secreted or isolated directly from a rabbit, or a
synthesized compound characterized by the following structural
formula (including enantiomers, diastereomers, or racemates
thereof):
##STR00001##
[0034] The amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal present in the pheromone
composition will be an amount effective to positively modify or
alter the behavior (e.g., calm, reduce nervousness, or alleviate
the dominance) of a particular animal when the pheromone
composition is incorporated into an animal litter. Generally, the
amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal present in the pheromone composition
is at least 0.0004% (w/w). In one embodiment, the amount of
2-methylbut-2-enal present in the pheromone composition ranges from
between about 0.0004% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w). For example, the
pheromone composition used in the present invention may contain
about 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.001%,
0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%,
0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%,
0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, or 1% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal. In another embodiment, the amount of
2-methylbut-2-enal present in the pheromone composition ranges from
between about 0.0004% (w/w) to about 0.001% (w/w). Preferably, the
amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal present in the pheromone composition
ranges from between about 0.001% (w/w) to about 0.01% (w/w) and
most preferably the amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal present in the
pheromone composition is from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about
0.1% (w/w).
[0035] In addition to 2-methylbut-2-enal, the pheromone composition
may further comprise a carrier solvent. In one embodiment, the
pheromone composition includes at least one carrier solvent.
Suitable carrier solvents are generally known within the art and
are recognized to include lipophilic organic diluents, alcohols,
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ether,
chloroform, benzene, carbon disulfide, oils including non-volatile
and volatile liquids and oils, water, and combinations thereof. For
example, 2-methylbut-2-enal can be dissolved in a suitable alcohol
and supplied in a liquid form such as a pump spray or for use in
animal litters. Suitable alcohols include ethanol, propanol,
isopropanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, octanol, and
phenyl ethyl alcohol. In a preferred embodiment, the alcohols
comprise ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, and phenyl ethyl alcohol.
An alcohol solvent can be combined with water or a lipophilic
organic diluent or carrier such as ethylene glycol, propylene
glycol, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether,
dipropylene glycol methyl ether, or Dow Corning.RTM. Q7-9180
silicone liquid. By way of example, the amount of solvent present
in the pheromone composition may range from between about 0.5%
(w/w) to about 99.99% (w/w) of the pheromone composition. For
example, the pheromone composition may contain about 0.5%, 1%,
1.5%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%,
16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%,
65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%,
90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, and 99.99%
(w/w) of a solvent.
[0036] In one embodiment, the solvent comprises water and an
alcohol selected from the group consisting of ethanol or
isopropanol. Preferably, the water is present in the pheromone
composition in an amount of from between about 70% (w/w) to about
99.99% (w/w) of the pheromone composition, most preferably in an
amount of from between about 80% (w/w) to about 98.5% (w/w).
Additionally, the alcohol is present in the pheromone composition
in an amount of from between about 1% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w),
most preferably from between about 1.5% (w/w) to about 10%
(w/w).
[0037] The pheromone composition may optionally contain additional
components such as odor removers and fragrances (i.e., "additional
components"). The pheromone composition may include one additional
component or a combination of any of the forgoing additional
components in varying amounts. Suitable examples of each type of
additional component are detailed below.
[0038] A suitable odor remover may be an amphoteric compound which
may be a linear long chain aliphatic acid with alkyl side chains or
long chain fatty acids. Examples of such compounds include
alkylbetaines, amidopropyl betaines, amidopropyl sultaines, and
combinations thereof. Generally, odor remover may comprise between
about 0.25% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w) of the pheromone
composition.
[0039] The pheromone composition may optionally comprise a
fragrance. The fragrance may be any fragrance that provides a
desired odor masking effect since the pheromone or pheromones used
in the pheromone composition may have a pungent odor. Although a
variety of fragrances may be employed without departing from the
scope of the present invention, suitable fragrances include floral
essences, citrus blossoms, oil or extracts of conifers, or spices.
Examples of floral essences include rose, lilac, lavender,
gardenia, and jasmine. Suitable citrus blossoms include orange and
lemon, and suitable oil or extracts of conifers include pine and
juniper. Generally, fragrance may comprise between about 0.25%
(w/w) to about 1% (w/w) of the pheromone composition.
[0040] The pheromone composition may also comprise pheromones other
than 2-methylbut-2-enal.
[0041] In one embodiment, the pheromone composition comprises from
between about 0.0004% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal,
about 10% (w/w) isopropyl alcohol and about 89% (w/w) water.
Additionally, between about 0.5% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w) of a
fragrance may be added to the pheromone composition.
[0042] The pheromone composition may be incorporated into a
polymeric matrix, which is then processed into molded particles
comprising the pheromone composition using standard methods known
in the art, the molded particles being formed, for example, into
pellets, spheres, microspheres, beads, microbeads, bubbles,
microbubbles, flakes, granules, or other molded particle. The
molded particles may be uniform in size/dimension or,
alternatively, may be varying in size/dimension. The molded
particles comprising the pheromone composition are suitable for
incorporation into an animal litter to form an animal litter
composition comprising a pheromone composition. In a preferred
embodiment, the molded particles are bead shaped. The molded
particles comprise a pheromone composition which composition
comprises from between about 0.001% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal, preferably between about 0.01% (w/w) to 0.05%
(w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal, and most preferably between about 0.01%
(w/w) to about 0.03% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
[0043] Generally, the animal litter composition comprises molded
particles in an amount of from between about 0.01% (w/w) to about
15% (w/w) molded particles. In one embodiment, the animal litter
composition comprises about 2% (w/w) molded particles. In another
embodiment, the animal litter composition comprises about 3% (w/w)
molded particles.
[0044] Any polymer and process for forming a shaped polymeric
matrix having an active ingredient incorporated therein and
suitable for being mixed with animal litter, as is well known and
amply described in the art, may be used with the pheromone
composition of the present invention. See, for example, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,852,416, 3,318,769, 4,150,109, and 5,437,869. Generally, a
polymeric material and the active component(s) are blended together
to form a polymeric formulation, which polymeric formulation is
then formed into desired shapes through an extrusion or molding
process to form a polymeric matrix.
[0045] The polymeric material is preferably a polymer or co-polymer
having suitable release characteristics such that the pheromone
composition can be slowly released from the matrix over an extended
period of time for inhalation by the target animal. Suitable
polymers and co-polymers for making a matrix carrying an active
ingredient are well known in the art and include, but are not
limited to, polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene acid
copolymers, ethylene acrylates, polyurethanes, styrene-butadiene,
polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin,
polyacrylate, polymethacrylate esters, silicon polymer, and
combinations thereof. The polymers contribute between about 50%
(w/w) to about 99.99% (w/w) of the matrix carrying the pheromone
composition, and typically will contribute between about 80% (w/w)
to about 99.99% (w/w) of the matrix.
[0046] In addition to the polymeric material and pheromone
composition of the present invention, a variety of other components
may be added to the polymeric formulation at any step in the matrix
formation process without departing from the scope of the
invention. For example, plasticizers, stabilizers, fragrances,
deodorants, coloring agents, synergists, lubricants, fillers,
preservatives, antioxidants, light stabilizers, pesticides, and
combinations thereof may be included in the polymeric formulation
for the matrix.
[0047] Plasticizers can be incorporated into the polymeric
formulation to make the polymer more flexible. Suitable
plasticizers may include adipates, phthalates, phosphates, and
citrates. One or more plasticizers may be added to the polymeric
material and may include, but are not limited to, diethyl
phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), diethyl hexyl phthalate,
di-n-butyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, acetyl tributyl
phthalate, dioctyl sebacate, dioctyl adipate, acetyl tributyl
citrate, tricresyl phosphate, 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate, and
combinations thereof.
[0048] Any stabilizer known in the art can also be incorporated
into the polymeric formulation, such as for example, glycerol
monostearate (GMS) or cetostearyl alcohol.
[0049] In one embodiment, the molded particles carrying the
pheromone composition are prepared by first combining the polymer
or copolymer and any other dry additives (e.g., coloring agents,
plasticizers, etc.) together and mixing the dry ingredients until a
uniform dry blend is achieved. Next, the pheromone composition
comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal and optionally, any liquid additives
(e.g., other pheromones, carriers, lubricants, preservatives, etc.)
are mixed together until a homogenous liquid blend is formed. The
liquid blend is then combined with the dry blend, along with any
fragrances, if desired. The mixture is then blended for a period of
time, for example between about 1 hour and about 3 hours to form a
polymeric formulation. The polymeric formulation is then processed
into a molded particle, such as beads, pellets, spheres, flakes,
granules, or the like on a conventional extruder or molding machine
at low temperatures (that is, at a temperature that will melt the
polymer or copolymer, which is generally between about 230.degree.
F. and about 250.degree. F.) using methods known in the art.
Alternatively, the polymeric formulation can be processed into a
shaped matrix or article, such as a strip, using extrusion, which
shaped matrix can then be further processed into molded
particles.
[0050] Generally, the size of molded particles depends on the
density and size of the animal litter particles, compatibility of
the molded particles with litter material, and the need to
eliminate segregations between the molded particles and the litter.
In one embodiment, the molded particles are between about 0.02''
and about 0.1'' in diameter or length (depending on the shape of
the molded particles). In one embodiment, the molded particles are
about 0.06'' in diameter or length. In alternative embodiments, any
known process for preparing the molded particles carrying one or
more active ingredients may be employed and the components for
preparing the molded particles may be combined in any order or at
any step without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0051] The molded particles comprising the pheromone composition
are then mixed or incorporated into the litter material of an
animal to be treated. The polymeric matrix present within the
molded particles enables the 2-methylbut-2-enal to be released to
the surface of the particles continuously over a period of at least
a second, 1 minute, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 5 hours, 10
hours, 24 hours, two days, three days, six days, one week, two
weeks, three weeks, four weeks, or at least 30 days, so that the
animal continues to inhale the pheromone for an extended period of
time while the litter composition comprises the molded
particles.
[0052] II. Methods of Using the Compositions to Modify Animal
Behavior
[0053] The present invention is further directed to a method of
using 2-methylbut-2-enal in animal litter to modify undesirable
dominant and aggressive behaviors or physiology in non-pack animals
living in a group within a single household. The methods of the
present invention comprise exposing an animal to an animal litter
composition, wherein the litter composition comprises a litter
material and an effective amount of a pheromone composition
comprising at least about 0.0004% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal
generally between about 0.0004% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal.
[0054] Animals that are stressed by exposure to other animals in an
enclosed space will typically exhibit highly undesirable
stress-related behavioral symptoms. Such undesirable behaviors are
commonly recognized and include, for example, litter dominance, and
other resultant or related behaviors such as excessive pacing, or
excessive laying down; hyperactivity such as jumping; aggressive
behavior toward people or other animals such as growling,
snappishness or biting; property destruction; frequent urination or
soiling; and fearful behavior such as cowering or shaking. The
efficacy of the pheromone composition in reducing litter dominance
and other related behaviors can be tested, for example, by spraying
the animal litter with the pheromone composition, or using litter
material impregnated with the pheromone composition, or mixing into
the litter material molded particles comprising the pheromone
composition. In any case, the pheromone composition is sufficiently
volatile for the animal to inhale and thus be exposed to a
sufficient amount of the pheromone to produce a noticeable
behavioral effect. For example, a reduction in undesirable outward
behaviors is readily ascertainable (e.g. noticeable reduction in
aggressive displays, urine marking and/or accessibility of a single
litter to any or all of the grouped animals), and can be
supplemented by observing other physical indicators of stress such
as heart rate, weight changes, and secretion of stress hormones
such as cortisol.
[0055] The pheromone composition according to this invention may be
applied to litter material in a variety of ways to enable the
animal to inhale the pheromone composition, as the nasal cavities,
sinuses, lungs and throats of animals present a large area for the
aromatic molecules to be bound to an olfactory receptor. For
example, the pheromone composition can be sprayed directly onto
existing litter material or clean litter material upon each litter
change, such that it may be inhaled by the animal regularly and
constantly to obtain the desired behavioral modification.
Alternatively, the pheromone composition comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal in liquid, gas, or solid form can be
incorporated in a plasticized material such as silica gel or the
like that can then be formed into litter material that is ready to
be used to control dominant behavior.
[0056] The pheromone composition comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal can
also be pre-mixed with a binder known and used in the art to absorb
liquids and activate clumping of the litter particles upon contact
with liquid waste. The binder may be any binder used in the art
with animal litters, for example, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,183,010 and 5,359,961, as well as including, but not limited to,
maltodextrins, modified food starch, calcium carbonate, sodium
bicarbonate, corn syrup, and solubilized protein, and the like.
[0057] Other suitable carriers of the pheromone composition
comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal for animal litter include, but are
not limited to, suitable litter material such as clay, wood chips,
plant stalk, sawdust, paper, grain, corncob, citrus peel, grass
straw, polymer, silica gel, and combinations thereof. To carry
2-methylbut-2-enal, these litter materials can be processed during
the manufacture of the litter via impregnating, soaking, injection,
spraying, or any other method known in the art.
[0058] In addition, molded particles comprising the pheromone
composition can be mixed with litter material as needed or
periodically in order to continually release the pheromone over a
period of time. In addition, the pheromone composition in a form of
dry powder (either blended or pure) can be added to and mixed with
litter. Moreover, the pheromone composition comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal can be placed next to a litter box or in the
general proximity of the litter by attaching external attachments
or accessories to the animal litter box for dispensing,
distributing, discharging, releasing or emitting 2-methylbut-2-enal
into the air space surrounding the animal litter. The
administration of the pheromone composition to animals in a group
can be accomplished by applying the pheromone composition to the
litter as often as needed to modify the animal's dominant behavior.
Passive solutions including preparing more than one animal litter
box in a single household for multiple animals would not be
necessary.
[0059] The animal can be exposed to the 2-methylbut-2-enal through
the release of the pheromone composition from the litter material,
which enables the animal to inhale the pheromone over a period of
time sufficient to effect a modification of the dominant behavior
previously observed. Typically, depending on the chosen route of
application to the litter (e.g., spraying the litter with the
pheromone composition, incorporating molded particles comprising
the pheromone composition into the litter material, etc.), the
particular animal using the litter composition, the number of the
animals in the household, or other situations, the exposure of the
pheromone composition to the animal will be over a period of at
least one second, but can also be for a period of at least one
hour, for a period of between one hour and five hours, for a period
of between six hours and ten hours, for a period of at least one
day, for a period of at least one week, for a period of between one
week and four weeks, for a period of at least one month, or for any
period of time as may be needed to achieve a satisfactory
behavioral effect. For example, an animal suffering from dominance
induced anxiety, may require a regular and extended exposure to the
animal litter composition to relieve the anxiety and associated
behavior. The pheromone composition may be sprayed on the animal
litter or the molded particles comprising the pheromone composition
may be mixed into the animal litter at least once a day, or once
every other day, or once every three days, or any other frequency
that may be effective in modifying the animal's behavior.
Additionally, when a new animal is added into the group, it may be
beneficial to increase the amount of pheromone composition in the
litter for at least the initial introductory period.
[0060] It should be understood that the 2-methylbut-2-enal used in
the pheromone composition may be provided in the form of pure
concentrate (100% concentration) or a diluted composition with
additional excipients in the dosage form (i.e. the amount of active
ingredient in the composition is less than or equal to 99.99%, and
the remainder consists of inactive excipients). If diluted, the
amount of 2-methylbut-2-enal dispensed in the various dosage forms
may range from between about 1.0 pg/mL to about 1.0 g/mL, more
preferably between about 1.0 ng/mL to about 1.0 g/mL. One of skill
in the art will appreciate that the volume of active component
added to the pheromone composition will need to be adjusted to
account for the dilution and to ensure the end composition
comprises the appropriate final concentration of
2-methylbut-2-enal. One of skill in the art will also appreciate
that the various components of the composition may be provided in a
variety of dosage forms including, but not limited to liquid
solution or suspension, emulsion, aerosol, slow release matrices,
and the like.
[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one
of skill in the art to which this invention belongs at the time of
filing. If specifically defined, then the definition provided
herein takes precedent over any dictionary or extrinsic definition.
Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall
include pluralities, and plural terms shall include the singular.
Herein, the use of "or" means "and/or" unless stated otherwise. All
patents and publications referred to herein are incorporated by
reference.
[0062] As used herein, "a" and "an" mean one or more, unless
otherwise indicated.
[0063] As used herein, "Interomone.RTM." means any naturally
secreted or synthetically produced chemical released by one
species, which, when administered to a member of a different
vertebrate species, elicits a change in behavior or physiology of
the different species with or without providing a benefit or harm
to the species from which the chemical is released.
[0064] The term "incorporating" means contacting the solid litter
material with 2-methylbut-2-enal, and thus encompasses surface
spraying with a pheromone solution comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal,
absorbing by impregnating or soaking the litter material with a
pheromone solution comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal, and admixing by
direct placement of polymeric beads, particles or pellets
comprising a polymeric matrix, which matrix comprises
2-methylbut-2-enal into the litter, such that the
2-methylbut-2-enal can be released from the beads, particles, or
pellets and inhaled by the animal over a period of time, ranging
from hours or days to weeks.
[0065] The term "effective amount" means an amount of
2-methylbut-2-enal present in an animal litter that is sufficient
to produce a noticeable modification, i.e. improvement of behavior
in the subject animal, as determined according to behavioral
observations as described herein. The effective amount will depend
on factors such as the weight and the material of the litter; the
severity of the behavior being treated; individual animal
parameters including age, physical condition, size and weight; the
number of the animals in a group; concurrent treatments; the
frequency of treatment; or the method of incorporation of the
pheromone composition to the animal litter. These factors are well
known to those of ordinary skill in the art and can be addressed
with no more than routine experimentation.
[0066] As used herein, "vertebrate" or "vertebrate species" is
interchangeable with the word "animal" or "animal species" and
encompasses any group of animals distinguished by possession of a
vertebral column. Examples of vertebrate species include, but are
not limited to, domestic animals such as cats and dogs; small
animals, such as hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, rats, mice, and guinea
pigs; commercial animals, such as horses, sheep, cattle, and swine;
animals in captivity, such as apes, chimpanzees, tigers, lions,
bears, elephants, zebras; amphibians such as frogs and salamanders;
reptiles such as snakes, turtles, crocodiles, alligators, and
lizards; birds, and the like.
[0067] As used herein, "sphere" means a particle that is
substantially, although perhaps not exactly, spherical and further
refers to both beads and bubbles.
[0068] As used herein, "bead" means a solid particle that is
substantially, although perhaps not exactly, spherical.
[0069] As used herein, "bubble" means a hollow particle that is
substantially, although perhaps not exactly, spherical.
[0070] As used herein, "microsphere" means spheres having a
diameter less than about 1 millimeter.
[0071] As used herein, "microbead" means beads having a diameter
less than about 1 millimeter.
[0072] As used herein, "microbubble" refers to bubbles having a
diameter less than about 1 millimeter.
[0073] As used herein "molded particle" means a particle that has a
predetermined shape as a result of having been formed in a mold
cavity or extruder.
[0074] As used herein "household animals" means animals kept as
pets or companion animals within a home and which may be litter box
trained. Examples of household animals include, but are not limited
to, cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas,
guinea pigs, and domesticated rats.
[0075] Although the invention described herein is susceptible to
various modifications and alternative iterations, specific
embodiments thereof have been described in greater detail above. It
should be understood, however, that the detailed description of the
use of Androstenone is not intended to limit the invention to the
specific embodiments disclosed. Rather, it should be understood
that the invention is intended to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the claim language.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Preparation of Pheromone Composition Comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal
[0076] A pheromone composition comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal was
prepared in accordance with the formulation set forth in Table 1.
The pheromone composition was prepared as a liquid spray
formulation and applied directly onto litter material, whereby the
animal litter composition comprised from between about 0.0001%
(w/w) to about 0.01% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal. Alternatively, the
pheromone composition prepared as set forth in Table I was
incorporated into a polymeric matrix as detailed in Example 4,
below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Pheromone Composition Comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal Ingredient % grams 2-methylbut-2-enal 0.01 0.01
Isopropyl Alcohol 10.00 10.00 Lavender Chamomile fragrance 0.50 0.5
#AA101592 D.I. water 89.49 89.49 Total 100.00% 100
Example 2
Incorporation of 2-methylbut-2-enal into a Binder for Application
to Animal Litter
[0077] A pheromone composition comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal in
liquid form or dry powder form can be prepared in accordance with
the formulation set forth in Table 2. The pheromone composition can
be pre-mixed with a binder, such as calcium carbonate or sodium
bicarbonate, and applied to the litter material, whereby the animal
litter composition would comprise between about 0.0001% and about
0.01% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Pheromone Composition Comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal Ingredient % grams 2-methylbut-2-enal (liquid or
dry Up to 1% Up to 1 gram powder) Binder About 99% About 99 grams
Total 100.00% 100
Example 3
Incorporating 2-methylbut-2-enal in Dry Powder Form (Blended or
Pure) into Animal Litter
[0078] 2-methylbut-2-enal in dry powder form can be applied to an
animal litter by spraying the 2-methylbut-2-enal powder directly
onto the animal litter, whereby the animal litter composition would
comprise between about 0.0001% and about 0.01% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal in powder form.
Example 4
Preparation of Polymeric Matrix Comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal
[0079] A polymeric matrix comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal can be
prepared according to typical industry techniques as described
hereinabove. Table 3 is the list of ingredients that can be used to
prepare the polymeric matrix.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Polymeric Matrix Comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal Ingredient % grams 2-methylbut-2-enal 0.02 0.02
MU-760000 (Microthene) 99.780 99.780 Corona magenta - Pink (DayGlo)
0.100 0.100 Blue #2 (DayGlo) 0.100 0.100 Total 100.00% 100
Example 5
Preparation of Polymeric Matrix Containing 2-methylbut-2-enal and
an Additional Pheromone for Use by Mixing with Cat Litter
[0080] A polymeric matrix comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal and an
additional pheromone composition can be prepared according to
typical industry techniques as described hereinabove. Table 4 is
the list of ingredients that can be used to prepare a polymeric
matrix comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal and an exemplary additional
pheromone composition.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Polymeric Matrix Comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal and an Additional Pheromone Ingredient % grams
2-methylbut-2-enal 0.02 0.02 MU-760000 (Microthene) 93.88 93.88
Pheromone H (ModernVeterinary 6.00 6.00 Therapeutics, Florida) Blue
#2 (DayGlo) 0.100 0.100 Total 100.00% 100
Example 6
Preparation of an Animal Litter Composition Comprising a Pheromone
Composition for Use with Cats
[0081] An animal litter composition comprising a pheromone
composition can be prepared by first forming molded particles from
a shaped polymeric matrix prepared in accordance with Example 4 or
5, wherein the molded particles comprise a pheromone composition
comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal. The molded particles can then be
combined with, mixed into, or otherwise incorporated into litter
material upon use of the litter. An animal litter composition of
about 2 lbs. to about 6 lbs. will comprise between about 0.01% and
about 15% (w/w) molded particles (the molded particles comprising
about 0.02% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal) in order to be effective in
alleviating litter dominant behavior and associated aggression and
anxiety in cats exposed to the pheromone composition as released
from the litter. For example, an animal litter comprising about 2%
to about 3% molded particles will result in the litter comprising
between about 0.0004% (w/w) and about 0.0006% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal. Accordingly, it will be observed that an animal
litter composition comprising about 0.0004% to about 0.0006% (w/w)
2-methylbut-2-enal will elicit a positive behavior modification in
cats, which behavior modification can last at least 24 hours, and
is most evident in the first 6-8 hours following exposure of the
animal to the animal litter composition.
Example 7
Determining the Efficacy of an Animal Litter Composition Comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal when Molded Particles Comprising
2-methylbut-2-enal are Incorporated in Regular Cat Litter for Use
with Cats
[0082] Three distinct studies were conducted for the purposes of
examining and determining the efficacy of an animal litter
composition comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal when molded particles
comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal are incorporated into regular cat
litter.
[0083] A total of 104 cats were used in the three studies. The cats
used were of mixed genetics and obtained from various breeding
facilities. Assessment was made to these cats as to general health
and behavior. These cats were a mix of intact males, intact females
and castrated males between 1 and 10 years of age. Body weight of
each cat was taken at the beginning and end of each study.
[0084] During the studies, cat behavior was captured on video for
the duration of the 24- or 48-hour period depending on the specific
study. Red lights were used at night to allow for continuous
observation. A scan sampling method was used to record cat
behaviors each 5 minutes. The recorded videos were subsequently
reviewed and analyzed in each 5-minute scan sample, with tape
playing 30 frames per second. At each 5-minute time point, each cat
was categorized as anxious or relaxed. Aggression or litter box
usage occurred between 5-minute periods were also noted. A list of
observed cat behavior and their definitions are provided in Table
5.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Definitions of Behaviors Used in This Study
Behavior Definition Head in Cat is actively eating or drinking; or,
cat is showing significant food/water dish interest in food or
water. Sitting or Lying - not Cat is sitting or lying with no body
part in direct contact of other touching individual. Sitting or
Lying - Cat is sitting or lying with some part of body in direct
contact of other touching individual. Aggression Cat is actively
engaged in fighting, hissing, or dominance behavior. In litter box
- not Cat is sitting, standing, or lying inside litter box, but is
not actively using using it. Using litter box Cat is urinating or
defecating inside litter box. Grooming self Cat is grooming own
body. Grooming other Cat is grooming body of other individual.
Sleeping Cat is lying in a relaxed state with eyes closed. Neutral
social Cat is engaged in non-aggressive interaction with other
individual, interaction such as nose-touching or rubbing.sup.1.
Locomotion Cat is walking, pacing, running, or climbing. Play Cat
is engaged in activity for sake of amusement; either alone or with
other individual. Anxiety Cat is displaying behaviors typically
associated with stress, such as hiding, pacing, aggression,
vocalization, and obvious tension. .sup.1Definition from
Crowell-Davis et al., 2003.
[0085] Because each scan sample is of 5-minute period, a total of
24 observations for each individual behavior are possible for each
2 hours. The instances of an individual behavior (A.sub.n; n=1, 2,
3, . . . 24) in each 5-minute period were totaled for instances in
each 2 hours (B.sub.m=.SIGMA.A.sub.n, n=1, 2, 3, . . . 24; m=1, 2,
3, . . . 12) over 24 hours. The behavioral score for each 2-hour
period is .SIGMA.A.sub.n/24 (n=1, 2, 3, . . . 24). A behavioral
score for a 24-hour period is .SIGMA.B.sub.m/12 (m=1, 2, 3, . . .
12). Among all behavior assessed, aggression, in-litter-box and
anxiety were scored as yes or no during each 5 minutes (A.sub.n=1
or 0; n=1, 2, 3, . . . 24). In addition, anxiety was measured as a
percentage of the total time that the cat was experiencing anxiety.
As such the anxiety related behavioral score for a 24-hour period
is 0.347.times..SIGMA.B.sub.m (%) (B.sub.m=.SIGMA.A.sub.n(%), n=1,
2, 3, . . . 24; m=1, 2, 3, . . . 12), which reflects the percentage
of time over 24 hours that the cats are experiencing anxiety.
Moreover, when ranking cat pairs based on their level of
aggression, the sum of the aggression scores of the individual cats
in the pair was used to rank the cat pairs.
[0086] Behavior data (behavioral scores) were further analyzed by
Least Squares Analysis of variance using SAS (2011, SAS Inst.,
Inc., Cary, N.C.) software and the p-diff general linear model
procedures to assess treatment differences within each time period.
This statistical model included effects of treatment (TRT),
cat-pair within treatment (TRT*CAT), time (HR), treatment by time
(TRT*HR) and residual error (SE; used to test remaining
effects).
Studies and Results
Study 1
[0087] In Study 1, four different treatments were tested:
Androstenone (ANDRO); cat urinary pheromone,
3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol (CAT); rabbit pheromone,
2-methylbut-2-enal (RP); and both the cat urinary pheromone and the
rabbit pheromone (CAT+RP). 40 individual cats were used in this
study to assess their preference to or aversion from a control
litter versus a litter under one of the four treatments. Each
treatment was tested with 10 cats. Litter was divided into 3 lb
aliquots, and each aliquot was either used as a control or was
mixed with a pheromone (or a pheromone combination) to be tested at
a level of 10 .mu.g/3-lb (or 7.3 .mu.g/kg).
[0088] On Day 0, each cat was placed into an assigned chamber
randomly placed with two litter boxes, one control and one treated.
Each of the two litter boxes was weighed and the weight was
recorded. The camera in the chamber was properly aligned to give a
full view of the chamber and started taping on Day 0. On Day 1, 24
hours after the start of taping on Day 0, each of the two litter
boxes in the chamber was weighed and the weight was recorded. On
Day 2, 48 hours after the start of taping on Day 0, each of the two
litter boxes in the chamber was again weighed. Litter can be
disposed of after weighing on Day 2, and the camera was then turned
off. The weights of the litter boxes over the 48 hours were used to
determine whether the litter was used or not, and at which
preference level.
[0089] The data were expressed as both a percentage preference (%
of the cats using the treated litter in each treatment group) and
by the weight of the litter (the litter gets heavier as it is
soiled). It was expected that if the added pheromone had no effect
on litter preference, 50% of the cats would use the treated litter
and 50% would use the control litter. As such, a litter use less
than 50% would be an aversion and a use significantly higher than
50% would indicate a preference for the litter. Further, the weight
difference between a control litter or litter under treatment was
used to show the relative strength of the effect of a particular
treatment on cat's litter use behavior. During the study, some cats
(N=3; 2 in CAT+RP and 1 in RP) spilled their litter and their data
were unreliable and were not included.
[0090] Results as to Cat Litter Preference:
[0091] First treatment (ANDRO): 5 out of the 10 cats used the
Androstenone treated litter (50%), while the other 5 used the
control litter (FIG. 1). Therefore, because 50% of the cats used
the litter treated with Androstenone, the Androstenone treated
litter did not provide any attraction to cats to use the treated
litter. Further, 11% less litter weight was observed in litter
treated with Androstenone than the control litter (Table 5).
[0092] Second treatment (CAT): 4 out of the 10 cats used the litter
treated with cat urinary pheromone (40%), while 6 cats preferred
the control litter (FIG. 1). Therefore, CAT litter use was less
preferred (40%) than control litter. That is, the cat urinary
pheromone in the litter caused a slight aversion to the cats.
Further, 43% less weight was observed in the litter containing CAT
than control litter (Table 5), which reduction was significant.
[0093] Third treatment (CAT+RP): only 1 out of 8 cats (2 cats
spilled the litter and were excluded from data) used the litter
treated with the combination of cat urinary pheromone and rabbit
pheromone (12%), while 8 of the 9 cats preferred the control litter
(FIG. 1). Therefore, (CAT+RP) litter use was significantly lower
than the control litter. That is, the CAT+RP combination caused
significant aversion to the cats. Further, the CAT+RP litter box
weighed 65% less than the control litter box (Table 5), a reduction
more than the treatment with CAT alone.
[0094] Fourth treatment (RP): the litter treated with rabbit
pheromone was highly preferred over the control litter.
Specifically, 7 out of 9 cats chose to use the litter treated with
rabbit pheromone (78%), as opposed to the control litter (FIG. 1).
As such, the rabbit pheromone increased the litter attraction by
more than 3.5 times. Further, the litter treated with rabbit
pheromone was 138% heavier than control litter (Table 6),
indicating a significant increase in litter use.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Weights of litter after 2 days with litter
containing either the vehicle or a pheromone/Interomone .RTM.
Litter Type Use, g Significantly CON TRT Relative Difference, %
Different 0.645 0.571 ANDRO -11% No 0.982 0.562 CAT -43% Yes 0.676
0.234 CAT + RP -65% Yes 0.319 0.76 RP 138% Yes SE = 0.023.
[0095] The above results illustrated that Androstenone (also an
Interomone.RTM. and found to have an effect similar to
2-methylbut-2-enal in reducing dog anxiety), did not have an effect
on reducing litter dominance related behavior in cats unlike
2-methylbut-2-enal. Also, 3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol (CAT)
averted cats from the treated litter more than Androstenone with a
percentage of preference of 40% and a 43% weight reduction in use
treated litter. The litter treated with
3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-methylbut-2-enal combination
(CAT+RP) significantly averted cat from litter using (P<0.001 by
Chi-Square), with a 12% preference percentage and a 65% litter
weight reduction in comparison to the control. Whereas litter
treated with 2-methylbut-2-enal (RP) alone significantly attracted
cats to the litter (P<0.001 by Chi-Square), with a 78%
preference percentage and 138% litter weight increase in comparison
to the control. Therefore, study 1 established that (1)
2-methylbut-2-enal had significant effect on cats' litter
preference and use, and that cats preferred litter treated with
2-methylbut-2-enal, (2) cats had an aversion to
3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol (CAT) and 2-methylbut-2-enal combined
with 3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol (CAT+RP), and (3) cats were not
affected by Androstenone (ANDRO) in the litter.
Study 2
[0096] The previous study established that cats are attracted to
litter treated with 2-methylbut-2-enal. In this study, 48 cats were
used to determine the effect of litter treated with
2-methylbut-2-enal (RP) to the cat's various behaviors listed in
Table 5.
[0097] Litter was prepared in two batches, by mixing beads about
0.065'' in length both with and without 2-methylbut-2-enal. Blank
beads were mixed thoroughly into one batch of litter so that the
litter comprised about 3% (w/w) beads to form the control litter
(CON). Similarly, beads containing a pheromone composition
comprising 0.02% (w/w) 2-methylbut-2-enal (formed in accordance
with Example 2 or 3) were mixed thoroughly into the other batch of
litter so that the litter also comprised 3% (w/w) beads to form the
treated litter (RP). Each batch of the litter was divided into 3
lb. aliquots that were ready to be tested.
[0098] The 48 cats were randomly grouped into 24 same-sex pairs,
which were divided into two groups with 12 pairs in each. The cats
of each pair had either been housed individually or in groups of
two previously, but had not been placed together prior to this
study. As such, each cat was made sure to pair with an unfamiliar
cat for the duration of the study. The first 12 pairs of two
unfamiliar cats were tested over a 48-hour period. Subsequently,
all chambers used were sanitized and aired out, and then the second
group of 12 pair of cats was tested.
[0099] Each pair of cats was placed in a kennel containing one food
dish, one water dish, and one litter box. Litter boxes were managed
on the following schedule, so that behavioral data relating to
control litter was collected on Day 1, and that behavioral data
relating to RP litter was collected on Day 2: [0100] (1) 0
hour--Add 3 lb. aliquot of CON litter to a clean litter box and
weigh the litter box; provide each pair of cats with CON litter
box; weigh the cats; and then place the paired up cats in the same
kennel. [0101] (2) 24 hour--Remove and weigh CON litter box; add 3
lb aliquot of RP litter to a clean litter box and weigh the litter
box; provide the same pair of cats with a RP litter box. [0102] (3)
48 hour--Remove and weigh RP litter box; weigh the cats; and obtain
the video records for subsequent analysis.
[0103] At the 24 and the 48 hour point of time, it was noted if any
soiling had occurred outside of the litter box. Any social
behavioral problems of the cats were also manually recorded,
despite that video records provided a much more precise record of
cat behaviors. Behaviors of each pair of cats were captured on
video for the duration of the 48-hour period. Red lights were used
at night to allow for continuous observation. Videos were later
reviewed and analyzed in 5-minute scan samples to categorize each
cat as anxious or relaxed based on behavioral definitions provided
in Table 5. Further, it was also noted if aggression or litter box
usage occurred between 5-minute periods. Video observers were blind
to treatments to avoid bias.
[0104] Results as to Behaviors Having Significant Change Under RP
Litter:
[0105] The average behavior scores for Day 1 (CON) and Day 2 (RP)
were obtained as illustrated above, and are presented in Table 7.
Among all the behaviors recorded and compared, aggression, litter
box use and anxiety had the most significant change from Day 1 to
Day 2 when the RP litter replaced the control litter (Table 7).
These three behaviors were of the highest interest as they are the
ones most characteristic and problematic among cats living in a
group in one household.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Average behavior scores on Day 1 (CON) and
Day 2 (RP): Day 1 Day 1 Day 2 Day 2 Behavior Con SE RP SE Head in
food/H2O 0.90 0.42 1.05 0.34 dish Lying/sitting - not 17.0 1.40
15.4 1.38 touching Lying/sitting - 0.89 0.65 0.98 0.73 touching
Aggression 3.00 1.62 1.95 1.01 In litter box - not 2.10 1.15 2.73
1.18 using In litter box - using 0.07 0.06 0.27 0.12 Grooming self
0.70 0.25 0.77 0.27 Grooming other 0.03 0.07 0.01 0.02 Sleeping
1.98 0.87 2.71 0.91 Neutral social 0.48 0.29 0.33 0.25 interaction
Locomotion 3.19 0.76 4.66 0.87 Play 0.65 0.32 0.52 0.23 Anxiety (%)
21.0 0.06 12.0 0.05
[0106] As shown in Table 7 above, anxiety of the cats in pairs
decreased from 21% to 12%, a reduction of nearly 50% over the two
days due to switching from untreated litter to litter treated with
2-methylbut-2-enal. The decreased anxiety was accompanied by
decreasing aggression in Day 2. As shown, aggression decreased from
3.0 to 1.95, a 68.3% reduction from Day 1 to Day 2 after exposure
to the RP litter.
[0107] The 24 pairs of cats were also ranked from most aggressive
to least aggressive (Table 8) by the sum of the aggression scores
of the two cats in Day 1.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Aggression score ranking. Average aggression
scores by pair, ranked by most aggressive (1) to least aggressive
(24). Total possible aggression score was 48 (2 hours with 2 cats X
24, 5-min periods) Aggression Pair # Animal ID #s Sex.sup.1 Day 1
(con) Day 2 (RP) Rank 13 1784, 1770 M, M 27.00 18.25 1 10 1731,
1884 F, F 10.13 3.25 2 4 1915, 1853 M, M 6.50 0.08 3 3 1914, 1904
M, M 6.33 3.42 4 5 1907, 1912 M, M 3.58 4.67 5 1 1903, 1906 M, M
2.92 0.13 6 15 1828, 1816 M, M 2.54 3.83 7 14 1810, 1806 M, M 2.54
2.58 8 17 1680, 1780 M, M 2.46 2.13 9 18 1798, 1811 M, M 2.38 1.88
10 16 1681, 1772 C, M 1.63 0.71 11 11 1741, 1812 F, F 1.63 1.50 12
6 1852, 1886 M, M 1.08 0.13 13 8 1791, 1793 F, F 0.50 0.88 14 19
1899, 1897 M, M 0.33 0.00 15 22 1867, 1900 F, F 0.17 0.13 16 23
1911, 1901 F, F 0.08 1.00 17 21 1858, 1881 F, F 0.08 0.92 18 9
1782, 1776 F, F 0.08 0.08 19 7 1799, 1800 F, F 0.04 0.33 20 24
1862, 1863 F, F 0.00 0.63 21 20 1865, 1883 F, F 0.00 0.21 22 12
1815, 1773 F, F 0.00 0.00 23 2 18821, 856 M, M 0.00 0.00 24 M =
Intact Male, C = Castrated Male, F = Intact Female
[0108] The litter box use increased from 0.07 to 0.27, a surprising
386% increase. The litter box usage increase observed in the video
agreed with physical weight change of litter boxes, which increased
by 438% (Table 9).
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Changes in litter box weights CON % before
CON after Change RP before RP after Change difference 2.11 2.14
0.02 2.1 2.21 0.11 438%
[0109] Mixing beads containing 2-methylbut-2-enal into litter
resulted in less aggression, lower anxiety and more litter box use
in cats. This study showed that cats' behavior could be altered in
response to the presence of 2-methylbut-2-enal in the litter.
Accordingly, adding beads comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal to cat
litter is potentially desirable for multi-cat households where
aggression, anxiety, and inappropriate soiling are common
problems.
Study 3
[0110] The most aggressive eight pairs of intact male cats from
study 2 (Table ______, the pairs ranked 1 and 2-9) were selected
for this 24-hour study, which was designed to assess if and how
2-methylbut-2-enal containing cat litter affects the multiple cats
placed in one single room.
[0111] Between studies 2 and 3, cat pairs had been separated for at
least 12 weeks. Control (CON) litter and rabbit pheromone (RP)
litter were similarly prepared as illustrated in Study 2. Each pair
of cats was placed in a kennel containing one food dish, one water
dish, and one litter box. Food and water was available ad libitum
during the study. Each kennel had a concrete floor and measured 1.1
m.times.1.5 m. Side fences were chain linked. A total of 4 kennels
were placed in one single room, and two rooms were utilized for
eight pairs of cats. Cat behaviors were captured on video for the
duration of the 24-hour period. Red lights were used at night to
allow for continuous observation. The study schedule was as
follows: [0112] (1) 0 hour--Add 3 lb. aliquot of CON litter to a
clean litter box and weigh the litter box; place a CON litter box
in each of the 4 kennels in Room One. Before placing a designated
cat pair in each of the kennels, weigh the cats. Start the video
taping. [0113] (2) 0 hour--Add 3 lb. aliquot of RP litter to a
clean litter box and weigh; place RP litter boxes in 4 kennels in a
separate Room Two; weigh cats; place designated pairs in kennels;
and start the video taping. [0114] (3) 24-hour--Remove and weigh
all litter boxes; weigh all cats. Video records were obtained and
reviewed for summary and analyses.
[0115] At the 24-hour point of time, it was noted if any soiling
had occurred outside of the litter box. Any social behavioral
problems of the cats were also manually recorded, despite that
video records provided a much more precise record of cat behaviors.
Cat behavior of each pair was captured on video for the duration of
the 24-hour period. Red lights were used at night to allow for
continuous observation. Videos were reviewed and analyzed in 5
minute scan samples to categorize each cat as anxious or relaxed
based on behavioral definitions in Table 5. Further, it was also
noted if aggression or litter box usage occurred between 5-minute
periods. Video observers were blind to treatments to avoid
bias.
[0116] Results as to Treatment by Time Effects on Cat
Behaviors:
[0117] The average behavior scores for this study were obtained as
illustrated above, and are presented in Table 10. None of the
behaviors evaluated over the full 24 hours were significantly
changed by overall RP treatment (all P-values>0.01 in Table 10).
In addition, the litter box usage was quite variable. It was noted
that all four control litter cat pairs spilled litter and three out
of four RP cat pairs spilled litter from their litter boxes, making
it difficult to accurately account for the amount of litter box use
during this 24-hour period. CON cats added 0.15 kg to their litter
box while RP cats added 0.07 kg/day to their litter box (SE=0.02
kg). This change was not significant.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Behavior scores (divided by 24 for % of
observation) for control and RP litter TRT P- Behavior CON CON SE
RP RP SE Value Head in food/H2O dish 0.85 0.61 0.57 0.42 0.16
Lying/sitting - not touching 14.98 2.45 15.53 3.08 0.79
Lying/sitting - touching 0.73 1.11 0.64 0.79 0.92 Aggression 3.55
2.85 2.01 1.30 0.37 In litter box - not using 1.63 1.89 2.34 2.47
0.74 In litter box - using 0.31 0.28 0.20 0.22 0.23 Grooming self
0.56 0.44 0.52 0.47 0.90 Grooming other 0.03 0.12 0.00 0.00 0.36
Sleeping 0.95 1.41 0.63 1.32 0.59 Neutral social interaction 0.10
0.16 0.14 0.23 0.82 Locomotion 5.50 1.76 4.34 2.33 0.52 Play 0.84
0.68 0.92 0.87 0.89 Anxiety (%) 17.00 0.11 25.00 0.16 0.56
[0118] It was also observed that cat behaviors were quite variable
over time, and it was believed that the small sample size was part
of the reason. The Time by Treatment interaction was significant,
however, for several behaviors observed, which behaviors included
lying/sitting-touching, aggression, in litter box--using, neutral
social interaction, and anxiety (P<0.01). These interactions are
shown in FIGS. 2A-E. The greatest difference between control litter
and RP litter treatment was observed in the first 6 hours after the
cats were paired and exposed to litter.
[0119] FIG. 2A shows the time by treatment interactions over a
24-hour period for lying/sitting-touching. Cats experiencing RP
litter showed a tendency to sit or lie in contact during the 6-8
hour period (P=0.07; FIG. 2A), i.e., the cat is sitting or lying
with some part of its body in direct contact of other individual.
This behavior indicated that the cat was relaxed, socially
friendly, having no anxiety, and was not aggressive at all. Also,
sitting or lying in contact was significantly higher for cats
experiencing RP litter during the 20-22 hour period (P=0.01). On
the other hand, cats experiencing RP litter tended to sit or lie in
contact less than cats experiencing CON litter during the 16-18
hour period (P=0.05), and the 22-24 hr period (P=0.04).
[0120] FIG. 2B shows the time by treatment interactions over a
24-hour period for aggression. During the first 6 hours, cats
experiencing CON litter showed significantly greater aggression
than cats experiencing RP litter (P<0.01; FIG. 1b). A cat
behaving aggressively is actively engaged in fighting, hissing, or
dominant behavior. In contrast, the initial period of intense
aggression when the cats met was blunted when RP litter was present
among the cats. This observation is significant for the intended
use of RP containing litter in multi-cat households for controlling
inter-cat aggression. The data showed that the cats responded to
rabbit pheromone almost immediately upon exposure. This data also
indicate that when the concentration of RP in the litter is around
0.0004% to 0.0006% (w/w), the aggression control was effective and
the control lasted at least for about 6-8 hours. As discussed
below, this initial 6-8 hours are important not only because cats
tend to be the most aggressive during that period of time when
introduced, but also their behavior in the initial hours impact
their interaction in later time. Therefore, if cats' aggressive
behaviors are under control when they first encounter, they tend to
be less aggressive towards each other in the future. The data here
indicate that RP litter controls cat aggression effectively by
reducing aggression behavior at least in the first 6-8 hours. In
addition, it is conceivable that the RP composition can be
formulated accordingly either by increasing the concentration or by
adding the same amount of RP to the litter multiple times a day to
prolong the effective period of aggression control.
[0121] FIG. 2C shows the time by treatment interactions over a
24-hour period for litter box use. Cats experiencing RP litter
tended to use the litter box more often during the 8-10 hour period
than did cats experiencing CON litter (P=0.10), indicating that the
litter dominant behaviors in the cats were reduced and the cats
tended to share the litter more, which is desirable in multi-cat
households. Cats experiencing CON litter used the litter box
significantly more during the 12-14 hour period and the 18-20 hour
period (P<0.01 and P=0.03, respectively), which may be
associated with elevated anxiety in later hours (FIG. 2E).
Increased litter sharing is therefore a later responding behavior
of cats under RP exposure (8-10 hour period), which follows a
significantly reduced aggression in the initial 0-8 hour
period.
[0122] FIG. 2D shows the time by treatment interactions over a
24-hour period for neutral social interaction. Neutral social
interactions are non-aggressive social interactions, such that the
cat is engaged in non-aggressive interaction with another
individual, such as nose-touching or rubbing. This is also
desirable among cats living in one household. Cats experiencing RP
litter had significantly more neutral (non-aggressive) social
interactions than cats experiencing CON litter during the 10-12
hour period (P<0.01). Neutral social interaction is therefore
also a later responding behavior of cats under RP exposure, which
follows a significantly reduced aggression in the initial 0-8 hour
period.
[0123] FIG. 2E shows the time by treatment interactions over a
24-hour period for anxiety. In the first 2 hour period, cats
experiencing RP litter were significantly less anxious than those
experiencing CON litter (P=0.04). In the same time period, the cats
were also significantly less aggressive. However, during the 8-10
hour period, cats experiencing RP litter showed a tendency to be
more anxious than cats experiencing CON litter (P=0.06). The
anxiety extended further to the 10-12 hour period and 14-20 hour
period, during which cats experiencing RP litter were significantly
more anxious (P<0.01 for 10-12 hour, P=0.01 for 14-16 hour,
P=0.03 for 16-18 hour, and P=0.03 for 18-20 hour). Anxiety-like
behaviors in these later hours were believed to be the method cat
pairs used to establish social bonds without the use of overt
aggression. Therefore, this is also a desirable attribute of RP
litter for cats that have the tendency to be aggressive and
anxious.
[0124] Result as to Aggression Pattern in Relation to the Distance
from the RP Litter:
[0125] Aggression patterns during the first 6 hours when multiple
cats were placed together were significantly lower among cats given
the RP litter. The videos for that period were re-reviewed to
analyze the place where the aggression took place in relation to
the location of the litter. Aggression was noted as either "near",
defined as in the litter box or within 1 body length from the side
of the litter box, or "away from", defined as from the side of the
litter box greater than 1 body length. The aggressive behavior
pattern during the first 6 hours near or away from the litter box
are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3A,
during 0-2 hour period, aggressive behavior in cats experiencing
CON litter is more than 40% of the observations, significantly
higher than 2-3% among the cats experiencing RP litter aggression
(P<0.01). Such a significant difference was also seen when the
cats were away from the litter box in the 0-2 hour period
(P<0.01), as the aggression among cats with CON litter is 25%
versus 5-6% among cats with RP litter. The significantly lower
aggression away from the RP litter box was also observed during the
2-4 hour period (P<0.01), evidenced by 23-24% aggression among
cats with CON litter versus 4% among cats with RP litter. This
indicates that the effect of RP litter to the multiple cats in one
room is not correlated to the distance between the cats and the
litter.
[0126] Levin et al., (2005) conducted a survey regarding inter-cat
aggression after introducing a new cat to the household. It found
that the majority of inter-cat aggression appears to occur within
the first 6 hours after new cats are introduced. It also found that
fighting upon initial introduction was strongly associated with
future fighting. By reducing the aggression during initial
introduction, future inter-cat aggression in the household may be
reduced or eliminated. The RP litter of this invention decreased
aggression among multiple cats significantly during this important
period of time. The presence of RP in the litter reduced cat
aggression during initial introduction and this was not simply a
delay of aggression to later hours; when they seemed to resolve
social issues with less aggression and engage in interaction by
touching or sharing litter.
[0127] Cat litter comprising about 0.0004% to about 0.0006% (w/w)
RP is effective in controlling anxiety and aggression in cats, not
only for the initial 6-8 hours upon exposure, but also establishing
social bonds without using overt aggression in later hours. RP
litter has significant, rapid and long-lasting control of
aggressive behavior in multiple cats placed together in a room,
independent of the distance between the cat and the litter.
Therefore, the present invention relating to an animal litter
composition comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal containing is effective
in controlling behaviors of cats that have a tendency to be
aggressive or anxious due to stresses from various sources.
[0128] One skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the
methods, compositions, and products described herein are
representative of exemplary embodiments, and not intended as
limitations on the scope of the invention. It will be readily
apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutions and
modifications may be made to the present disclosure disclosed
herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention.
[0129] All patents and publications mentioned in the specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the present disclosure pertains. All patents and publications are
herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
individual publication was specifically and individually indicated
as incorporated by reference.
[0130] The present disclosure illustratively described herein
suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or
elements, limitation or limitations that are not specifically
disclosed herein. Thus, for example, in each instance herein any of
the terms "comprising." "consisting essentially of," and
"consisting of" may be replaced with either of the other two terms.
The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as
terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no
intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of
excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or
portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications
are possible within the scope of the present disclosure claimed.
Thus, it should be understood that although the present disclosure
has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and
optional features, modification and variation of the concepts
herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art,
and that such modifications and variations are considered to be
within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *