The use of fecal markers to facilitate sample collection in group-housed cats (2002)

Griffin, B.

Abstract

The provision of proper social housing is a priority when designing an experiment using domestic cats as laboratory animals. ... In this study, commercially available concentrated food colorings (known as bakers pastes) were used as fecal markers in group-housed cats. Cats readily consumed 0.5 ml of bakers paste food coloring once daily in canned cat food. Colorings served as fecal markers by imparting a distinct color to each cats feces, allowing identification in the litter box.... Long-term feeding of colorings and glitter was found to be safe and effective at yielding readily identifiable stools.