The best option for undersocialized cats?

Study

“Post-Adoption Behavior and Adopter Satisfaction of Cats Across Socialization Likelihoods,” published in the Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health, 2025. Complete article available online here.

Overview

Using the Feline Spectrum Assessment tool to rate the sociability of two groups of adult shelter cats, these researchers found that “cats never suspected of being undersocialized experience better welfare than undersocial cats, and their adopters are more satisfied” [1].

Key Points

In this study, researchers used the Feline Spectrum Assessment (FSA) tool to rate the sociability of two groups of adult shelter cats: (1) those “noted as fearful… had not yet shown signs of enjoying petting… [and] no indication that the cat enjoyed human interaction before coming into the shelter” (n = 57), and (2) those exhibiting no such behaviors (n = 155) [1]. The results of surveys completed by adopters indicated greater satisfaction among those who adopted more sociable cats.

Although adopters of less sociable cats were generally less satisfied, it’s worth noting that 89% reported that they were highly satisfied with the cats they adopted. This suggests that adopters might have adjusted their expectations post-adoption, or that they received counseling from shelter staff prior to adoption.

In addition to their level of satisfaction, adopters were asked about which type of housing they considered best for their cats. Nearly one in five (19%) who had adopted the least sociable cats indicated that the outdoors would be better than a traditional home—in stark contrast to adopters of more sociable cats, the vast majority of whom preferred that their cats remain in traditional homes.

“While there is no clear cut-off point indicating what [sociability] levels do poorly in homes, evidence (fear, owner approach and petting, satisfaction, environment they would be happiest) suggests that at least [those cats scoring lowest] should be slated for TNR or barn placement unless significant progress is made in shelter.”

The results of this study suggest that placing under-socialized cats into traditional adoptive homes is not necessarily in the best interest of the cats or their adopters, highlighting the importance of adoption alternatives (e.g., return-to-field and working cat programs) [2–7].

See related Issue Briefs:

• Cat health and welfare after TNR: Considerations and concerns

• Managing stray cats with TNR: Public opinion and policy concerns

References

1. Ellis, J.J.; Janke, K.J.; Furgala, N.M.; Bridge, T. Post-Adoption Behavior and Adopter Satisfaction of Cats Across Socialization Likelihoods. Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2025, 4.

2. Spehar, D.D.; Wolf, P.J. The Impact of an Integrated Program of Return-to-Field and Targeted Trap-Neuter-Return on Feline Intake and Euthanasia at a Municipal Animal Shelter. Animals 2018, 8, 55.

3. Spehar, D.D.; Wolf, P.J. Integrated Return-to-Field and Targeted Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return Programs Result in Reductions of Feline Intake and Euthanasia at Six Municipal Animal Shelters. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2019, 6, doi:10.3389/fvets.2019.00077.

4. Guerios, S.; Houston, K.; Oglesby, M.; Farinha, M.; Jenkins, M. When You Cannot Put That Cat Back Where It Came From – The Call for a ‘Working Cat Program’ Implementation. Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2024, 3.

5. Kreisler, R.E.; Pugh, A.A.; Pemberton, K.; Pizano, S. The Impact of Incorporating Multiple Best Practices on Live Outcomes for a Municipal Animal Shelter in Memphis, TN. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2022, 9.

6. Spehar, D.D.; Wolf, P.J. The Impact of Return-to-Field and Targeted Trap-Neuter-Return on Feline Intake and Euthanasia at a Municipal Animal Shelter in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Animals 2020, 10, 1395.

7. Mauro, K.; Wolf, P.J. Playing the Cards You’re Dealt: Implementing Feline Lifesaving Programs and Practices Despite Restrictive Ordinance Provisions. Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2024.