# 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.

## Key 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.