Variation in urine output from shelter cats is explained by shelter location, not kennel size

TL;DR

The study found that where cats live in a shelter affects their urine output more than having extra space or being petted.

Contribution

The study shows that shelter location, not additional space or petting, influences urine output in shelter cats.

Findings

Shelter location significantly predicted increased urine output in cats.

Extra space or daily petting did not significantly affect urine output or stress scores.

Shelter-related factors may have a greater impact on cat welfare than kennel size or interaction.

Abstract

Monitoring and decreasing stress in cats housed in animal shelters is essential for maintaining adequate welfare. Urine output is a potential indicator of shelter cat stress. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the provision of extra space using a portal connecting two kennels and daily petting on urine output at two different municipal shelters in the United States. Cats (n =  59) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control, Portal, Petting, and Portal and Petting. Litter clumps were weighed daily for five days as a measure of urine output. Additionally, cats were given a daily Cat Stress Score. Experimental group did not significantly predict urine output nor Cat Stress Score. However, living at Shelter B significantly predicted increased urine output. The results from the present study suggest that shelter-related factors might impact urine output of cats more than kennel size or petting alone.

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