Data Indicates Cats Have Fared Better Overall Than Dogs Throughout the Pandemic, but There’s No Better Time to Adopt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTA, GA, 6/27/2023 – Shelter Animals Count (SAC), the most trusted and current source for animal sheltering data, encourages anyone looking for a cat or kitten to celebrate the remaining days of Adopt A Cat Month by adopting a feline friend from a shelter or rescue group. Adopt A Cat Month takes place every June to highlight the need for cat adoptions, as well as to emphasize why adoption is the best option when it comes to acquiring a pet.

Many shelters and rescue organizations are offering special adoption promotions through the end of the month to encourage cat and kitten adoptions. Pets for adoption are typically vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped, and sometimes come with a starter kit of supplies.

Overall, data from the first quarter of 2023 shows some improving trends for cats, while dogs continue to be impacted by post-pandemic challenges. According to SAC’s Outcome Data Analysis report for Q1 2023: 

– Cat intake decreased 1.6% during the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, while dog intake increased 7%.

– There was a 4% decrease in cats arriving as strays, while dogs showed a 14% increase. 

– Cats have the same adoption rate as 2022 (72%), which is three percentage points higher than 2021. Dog adoption rates for Q1 have dropped to 55%, down a percentage point from 2021. 

– During the first quarter of 2023, 1.6% more felines left than entered shelters, while 3.3% more canines entered than left shelters during the same time, contributing to the ongoing over-capacity crisis for dogs.

Download the full report (PDF):  http://bit.ly/Q12023Report

“Cats appear to have been less affected by the more dramatic pandemic trends we’ve seen with dogs,” said Stephanie Filer, Executive Director of Shelter Animals Count. “Compared to dogs, cats are typically less costly to care for, have fewer housing restrictions, and are generally lower maintenance in terms of training, potty breaks, and exercise needs, which can make cats a great fit for individuals and families looking for pet companionship. We hope this positive momentum for cats will continue, and encourage anyone looking for a feline family member to consider adopting  a cat or kitten from a local shelter or rescue organization.”

While cats may not have experienced the same highs and lows in terms of intake and outcome as dogs since the beginning of the pandemic, felines face their own seasonal challenges. Springtime and early summer is a period when shelters and rescue organizations across the country receive an influx of kittens, during a time known as “kitten season.” As the name suggests, kitten season is the time of year when unspayed female cats have most of their litters, and generally stretches from May to November.  

Because shelters tend to be much more full with increased kitten intake during this season, it’s an important time for the community to help by adopting cats and kittens. For those not ready to adopt, shelters are also grateful for temporary foster homes for kittens this time of year.

About Shelter Animals Count (SAC): SAC is a collaborative, industry-led nonprofit organization formed by a diverse group of animal welfare agencies to create and share The National Database of sheltered animal statistics, providing facts and enabling insights that will improve animal welfare throughout the country.