Disease transmission in cat shelters causes significant suffering. Evidence-based infectious disease protocols minimize welfare costs for cats in rescue and rehoming settings.
Shelter-acquired disease causes suffering that undermines the welfare mission of rescue organizations. Cats entering shelters already stressed by rehoming are particularly vulnerable. Best-practice shelters recognize that length of stay is a primary welfare risk factor and prioritize rapid assessment, treatment and rehoming. Foster networks reduce shelter disease risk by removing vulnerable animals to lower-stress environments.