Post-Adoption Behavior and Adopter Satisfaction of Shelter Kittens Identified as Undersocialized Prior to Adoption

Jacklyn J. Ellis; Kyrsten J. Janke; Matthew De Luca; Vicky Halls

doi:10.56771/jsmcah.v5.150

Authors

Jacklyn J. Ellis Toronto Humane Society, Toronto, ON, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2747-812X
Kyrsten J. Janke Toronto Humane Society, Toronto, ON, Canada
Matthew De Luca Toronto Humane Society, Toronto, ON, Canada
Vicky Halls International Cat Care, Tisbury, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56771/jsmcah.v5.150

Keywords:

feline, socialization period, human-animal bond, adoptability, welfare, feral, behavior, approach, traits, shelter

Abstract

Introduction: Undersocialized kittens pose an ethical challenge for shelters. Although undersocialized kittens (especially those under 12 weeks) are thought to adapt better than undersocialized adults, data on their long-term welfare and adopter satisfaction are limited. This study examines behavioral outcomes and adopter experiences for Undersocial and Control kittens, above and below 12 weeks of age.

Methods: At least 1 year after placement, a survey was administered to adopters of kittens who were >1 and <7 months old at intake. Multinomial logistic regressions and Fisher’s exact tests were conducted to identify significant differences between groups (Undersocial<12 weeks, Undersocial>12 weeks, Control<12 weeks, and Control>12 weeks) in reported behavioral traits (8 traits, 1–5 Likert scale), responses to situational social interactions (approach and petting, from owner and stranger), and adopter experience (satisfaction 1–5 Likert scale, categorical classification of feelings toward the cats, and categorical classification of what type of environment would make the cat happiest).

Results: Of the 724 adopters surveyed, overall differences between groups were minimal. Fearfulness was the only trait significantly associated with group: Control<12 weeks kittens were 71% less likely and Control>12 weeks kittens were 65% less likely to be rated as fearful compared to Undersocial<12 weeks kittens. Responses to stranger approach and petting also differed: Undersocial<12 weeks kittens were more likely to react negatively than Control<12 weeks kittens. Owner-directed behaviors (approach and petting) showed no meaningful differences between groups. Adopter satisfaction was high across all groups (95–98%), most adopters described loving their kittens (96–99%) and thought their kitten would be happiest in a traditional home environment (89–93%).

Conclusion: Both age groups of Undersocial kittens were more fearful and wary of strangers, but all groups formed strong bonds with adopters. There was no notable difference between Undersocial kitten age groups, suggesting adoption is a viable, welfare-positive option when intake sources and resources allow.

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