Shelters are inherently stressful environments for cats, with evidence-based design and management strategies significantly improving welfare and adoption outcomes.
Shelter stress is not inevitable but rather reflects management and design choices. Cats that lack hiding places, have visual access to other cats and experience constant unpredictable disturbance suffer unnecessary welfare harm. Evidence-based feline-friendly sheltering practices including cubicle housing, hiding boxes, synthetic pheromone use and quiet areas transform welfare outcomes and reduce length of stay.