Successful Cat Adoptions from Shelters

Weiss, E. and S. Gramann (2009). "A comparison of attachment levels of adopters of cats: fee-based adoptions versus free adoptions" J Appl Anim Welf Sci 12(4): 360-370.

Some involved with animal welfare are critical of free adoptions of adult cats, believing it devalues the cat in the adopter’s eyes, or it may attract adopters who are unable to fulfill the financial responsibilities of cat ownership. Advocates believe waiving the fee for adult cats will enhance rates of adoptions, and provide opportunities to educate owners who may otherwise adopt from neighbors or may respond to “free to good home” ads. This study examined the attachment of adopters to their cats in relation to payment or fee waiver for adoption. One hundred seventy-three adopters from a rescue facility in Maine participated in the study, of which 95 paid no adoption fee for their adult cat, and 78 paid a $75 adoption fee. Whether or not an adopter paid the fee was a function of when the shelter was running promotional campaigns for adoptions by offering fee waivers. Using an attachment scale consisting of a series of statements that the adopters would indicate agreement or disagreement (1-strongly disagree, 4-strongly agree), pet attachment was rated. Statistical analysis of the results showed no significant difference in the two groups’ attachment to their adopted cat. The authors conclude “implementing a free adult cat adoption program in shelters around the country could dramatically affect the lives of thousands of shelter cats who otherwise either would reside in the shelter for months awaiting adoption or be euthanized. The ultimate goal of shelters is to adopt their animals into loving homes with families who are committed to the success of their pet. The free adult cat adoption program may accomplish these goals, and shelters can feel confident in implementing the program.” [MK]
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Related articles:
Shore, E. R. (2005). "Returning a recently adopted companion animal: adopters' reasons for and reactions to the failed adoption experience." J Appl Anim Welf Sci 8(3): 187-198.
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Neidhart, L. and R. Boyd (2002). "Companion animal adoption study." J Appl Anim Welf Sci 5(3): 175-192.
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More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Cat Mortality in Shelters

Murray, J. K., E. Skillings, et al. (2008). "A study of risk factors for cat mortality in adoption centres of a UK cat charity." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(4): 338-345.


In the United Kingdom, there are many animal charities that shelter and re-home cats. Cats Protection, the largest cat-only animal charity in the UK, re-homed about 60,000 cats in 2005. Risk factors for mortality in UK shelters have not been previously studied, and may be applicable to similar animal shelter situations elsewhere in the world. A case-control study was used to examine variables associated with mortality. Retrospective data was collected for 194 cases and 320 control cats. An increased risk of mortality was discovered for cats admitted to shelters unneutered, in fair or poor health, and for cats born at shelters. Kittens under 7 weeks of age and cats over 7 years of age had an increased risk of mortality compared to other age groups. Cats with disabilities also had an increased risk of mortality. Knowledge of risk factors contributing to mortality in shelters can help focus intervention strategies aimed at reducing risk.
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Related articles:
Cave, T., H. Thompson, et al. (2002). "Kitten mortality in the United Kingdom: a retrospective analysis of 274 histopathological examinations (1986 to 2000)." Vet Rec 151: 497-501.
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Bannasch, M. and J. Foley (2005). "Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple respiratory pathogens in cats in animal shelters." J Fel Med Surg 7(2): 109-119.
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More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library