Research overview: stress and cortisol in catteries and shelters

Confinement in catteries and shelters exposes cats to novelty, noise, restricted space and unpredictable handling, which can elevate stress. This overview surveys research using behavioural scoring and physiological measures such as cortisol to assess feline stress in these settings, and interventions that reduce it. It examines findings that hiding boxes, consistent caretakers, reduced sensory stress and predictable routines lower measured stress and improve welfare and even health outcomes like reduced upper respiratory disease. The survey discusses validated tools such as cat-stress scoring, the limitations of cortisol as a stress index, and the practical implications for shelter design and management. By compiling this evidence, it underscores that thoughtful housing and handling materially affect the wellbeing of the large numbers of cats passing through confinement.