🐾9 Shelter Cats and Stress: What Really Matters?

A 2025 study finds that quiet environments and allowing cats to approach at their own pace reduce stress more than forced petting or simply enlarging kennels. Here’s a clear, practical summary for shelter staff and cat guardians.

Source: PLOS ONE (2025) — Variation in urine output from shelter cats is explained by shelter location, not kennel size.

1. Why this study matters

The research compared cats living in two shelter settings (a noisy public-facing shelter vs a quiet, non-public shelter) and tested whether daily petting or larger kennel access reduced measurable stress. It used both behavioral scores and physiological indicators (urine output) to assess wellbeing.

2. Who did the study and where was it published?

Conducted by a team of U.S. university researchers and animal behaviorists, this study was published in PLOS ONE, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal widely cited in animal welfare research.

3. Short description of the methods (easy to picture)

• Two shelters were compared: Shelter A (noisy/public) and Shelter B (quiet, not public).
• Cats were assigned to four groups: Control, Petting, Portal (larger kennel access), and Petting + Portal.
• Daily measures included: urine clump weight (as a physiological indicator), Cat Stress Score (CSS), FAS Spectrum (fear/anxiety scale), and food/water intake.

4. Key results & why researchers reached their conclusions

Main findings:
• Petting or adding kennel portals alone did not significantly reduce stress across the entire sample.
• Cats that voluntarily touched the researcher (and were then petted) showed higher urine output and lower CSS — signs of relaxation.
• Shelter location (noise and public exposure) strongly predicted stress measures: cats in the quieter shelter had lower stress and more stable urine output.
• Cats prefer fine clay clumping litter; prior use of unfamiliar pellet-type litter likely suppressed urination until clay litter was provided.

5. In plain language

Giving a cat more space or forcing touch doesn’t reliably reduce stress. What helps is:

• A calm, controlled environment (less noise, fewer passersby)
• Letting the cat decide whether to interact
• Comfortable litter that the cat prefers

6. How this compares to other studies — and study limitations

Consistency with past work: Prior research also highlights the importance of the macro-environment (sound, predictability) over simple kennel size changes. Petting is most effective when it’s cat-initiated.

Limitations to keep in mind:

• Small sample size at the noisy shelter (n=16), limiting strong conclusions about kennel size there.
• CSS may reflect fear of an unfamiliar person/camera rather than total stress.
• Observations were once daily and short; continuous monitoring might give a fuller picture.
• Noise levels were not directly measured, and researcher presence during recordings could have influenced behavior.

7. Practical tips for shelter staff and cat owners

• Prioritize a calm, predictable environment (limit loud sounds and heavy traffic near cat rooms).
• Let cats approach people — don’t force petting. Offer a quiet hand and let the cat decide.
• Use fine clay clumping litter; avoid sudden litter-type changes.
• Expect new cats to need days to weeks to acclimate; monitor food/water intake and litter use.

8. When to contact a veterinarian or behaviorist

• Persistent hiding, reduced urination, or food intake
• Severe or escalating anxiety, aggression, or litter-box avoidance
• Multi-cat household conflicts or repeated stress-related illnesses

9. Helpful products and resources

• Fine clay clumping litter — generally preferred by many cats
• Feliway® pheromone diffusers for temporary calming support
• Cat hideouts and elevated resting spots to give choice and control
• Quieting measures (sound-absorbing mats, limit traffic during sensitive hours)

10. Short takeaway

To reduce stress in shelter (and pet) cats, focus on creating a quiet, predictable environment and respect each cat’s choice to interact. Gentle, voluntary contact helps — forced handling does not.

Read related articles at MindfulPetLab

Reference: Variation in urine output from shelter cats is explained by shelter location, not kennel size. PLOS ONE. 2025 Apr 8;20(4):e0XXXXXX.

Note: This post summarizes peer-reviewed research. For medical concerns about your cat, consult your veterinarian.

Mindful

ブロガー/獣医師・博士(獣医学)/DVM Ph.D.

心でつながるペットケア、やさしい科学をモットーに、最新の研究情報について発信している。