Research overview: stress-related behaviour in shelter cats

Shelters impose acute stress on cats, which manifests in behaviour relevant to welfare and adoptability, and this overview surveys research on the topic. It examines behavioural signs of stress in shelter cats such as hiding, reduced activity, inappetence and altered social responses, and how these relate to physiological stress and to outcomes including illness and length of stay. The survey reviews interventions shown to reduce stress and improve behaviour, including provision of hiding boxes, consistent gentle handling, predictable routines and reduced sensory stressors, and how these can increase adoptions and lower disease. It discusses validated behavioural assessment tools used in shelters and the importance of recognizing fear-driven behaviour rather than misjudging temperament. By compiling this evidence, the survey frames stress reduction as central to the welfare and successful rehoming of cats in shelter environments.