Behavior and adoptability of hoarded cats admitted to an animal shelter.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavioral characteristics and success of adoption for previously hoarded cats.

Methods

Shelter records and post-adoption surveys were analyzed for hoarded cats ⩾6 months old at intake. A non-standard scoring system was used. Intake scores were allocated contemporaneously and socialization scores were applied retrospectively for three time points (TPs): 5-10 days post-intake (shelter TP), ⩽1 week post-adoption (home TP1) and >1 week post-adoption (home TP2). Adoption returns were compared between hoarded and non-hoarded cats.

Results

The study included 195 hoarded cats, of which 174 were adopted. Of 164 cats with intake scores, 86 (52%) were scored as 'friendly' at intake. Forty-five cats had socialization scores for

SUBMITTER: Jacobson LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9315195 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature