Presentation Details
| Risk Factors Affecting the Fate of Kittens Adopted from Rescue Shelters in Western Canada Rebecca Ledger. Animal Behaviour & Welfare Consulting, Vancouver, BC, Canada |
Abstract
A post-adoption survey of kittens adopted from rescue shelters, was undertaken. One year following adoption, 583 adopters were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their cat’s health, behaviour, and, if applicable, reasons for the loss of their cat. 361 questionnaires (67.8%) were returned for analysis. Of these, 326 (90.2%) of owners still had their kittens. The 35 kittens that were no longer in their owner’s care were gone for the following reasons: 8 killed by vehicles, 7 returned to the shelter, 6 died from illness, 4 gone missing (presumed dead), 4 killed by coyotes, 4 given away, 1 died from ingestion of a foreign body, and 1 killed by a dog.
Gender, neuter status and coat type were not risk factors for loss by accident or having gone missing. However, kittens that were missing or dead due to an accident were rated as significantly friendlier, more playful and less fearful than kittens that were still alive and with their owners. Kittens let outdoors (60%) were almost five times more likely to die than kittens that were kept indoors. The results suggest that personality is an important factor in determining a young, outdoor cat’s ability to avoid dangerous situations.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
Gender, neuter status and coat type were not risk factors for loss by accident or having gone missing. However, kittens that were missing or dead due to an accident were rated as significantly friendlier, more playful and less fearful than kittens that were still alive and with their owners. Kittens let outdoors (60%) were almost five times more likely to die than kittens that were kept indoors. The results suggest that personality is an important factor in determining a young, outdoor cat’s ability to avoid dangerous situations.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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