Cats in rescue shelters experience significant welfare challenges from confinement, social stress and loss of control over their environment.
Shelter welfare is a major but often under-resourced animal welfare challenge. Cats in traditional pen-based shelters often show chronic stress — hiding, reduced appetite, immune suppression and stereotypic pacing. Evidence-based shelter management — including hiding box provision, vertical space, positive human interaction, minimal group housing and rapid rehoming pathways — significantly improves welfare. Foster care for stress-vulnerable cats provides a far better welfare environment than shelter housing for extended periods.