Short-Term Foster Programs for Shelter Cats: Beneficial or Problematic?

Course overview

This webinar was presented by Dr. Kristyn Vitale, the lead author on a new study exploring shelter cat foster programs. Every year millions of cats enter animal shelters in the U.S. alone. Interventions are greatly needed that have the potential to reduce cat stress and increase cat welfare while in the shelter environment. Although dog foster programs have become commonplace for many animal shelters, cat foster programs are relatively uncommon, potentially due to the belief that cats may be at risk of unnecessary stress from the fostering experience. In the study, researchers examined the social behavior and stress levels of cats that stayed in the shelter to cats that left the shelter for short-term foster, either for 1-night or 1-week. The results of the study indicate that shelter cats placed in foster care were not at a disadvantage. These findings can benefit both cats and animal shelters alike. Tune into the webinar to learn more about the study and how to apply the results in an animal shelter setting.