The Fe-BARQ evaluation is intended to provide you with a sense of where your cat's temperament lies relative to other cats in the Fe-BARQ database. For each behavior or trait, it shows you how different your cat is from the average, but it cannot tell you reliably whether that difference is good, bad or neutral. In most cases, we still don't know enough about typical cat behavior, or what cat owners find most appealing or unappealing about their cats' behavior, to be able to answer those kinds of questions definitively.

Having said this, most cat owners are likely to appreciate cats that score higher than average for the following Fe-BARQ behaviors: Activity/Playfulness, Sociability with People, Directed Vocalization, Purring, Attention-seeking, Sociability with Cats, and Trainability. Conversely, most cat owners are likely to be less appreciative of cats that score higher than average for the behaviors: Stranger-directed Aggression, Owner-directed Aggression, Resisting Restraint, Cat Aggression, Dog Aggression, Fear of Cats and Dogs, Nonsocial Fear, Separation-related Behavior, Predatory Behavior, Compulsive Behavior, Inappropriate Elimination, Spraying, or Scratching Claws on furniture. And some Fe-BARQ behaviors may be relatively neutral from an owner's perspective. For example, some owners may not care one way or another if their cat spends a lot of time avidly watching birds and squirrels through the kitchen window.

A lot, however, depends on how far your cat deviates from the average, and on your personal preferences. Some owners, for example, may be delighted with a cat that is always seeking their attention, while others may prefer one that is much less demanding.

By adding your cat to the Fe-BARQ database, you have made an important contribution to our understanding of cat behavior and cat-human relationships. As we learn more about cats, our ability to provide their owners with reliable and accurate guidance will also improve.

If you believe that your cat has a serious behavior problem, we recommend that you contact your veterinarian or consult with a behavioral expert. Most behavior problems in cats can be treated successfully, and there are a variety of professional organizations whose members may be able to help you and your cat with a problem.

If you live within driving distance of Philadelphia, PA, you may wish to consider scheduling an appointment with the Behavior Clinic of the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, either by calling 215-898-3347 during office hours, or by emailing: behaviorclinic@vet.upenn.edu

If you live outside of this area, contact your local veterinarian about obtaining a referral to a behavioral consultant. Alternatively, the following organizations may be able to provide you with guidance on finding a suitably qualified person in your area: