Feline Housing for Behavioral Well‐Being


16
Feline Housing for Behavioral Well‐Being


Chumkee Aziz


16.1 Introduction: Challenges of Feline Housing in Animal Shelters


No matter what the facility or how long the length of stay, the confinement of sheltering affects the day‐to‐day welfare of cats (Rochlitz 2007, 2000). Imagine what a cat might experience when it enters a shelter: being placed into a cold, hard box with the smell of disinfectants, the sights and sounds of strange animals, the hurried movements of unknown people, the loss of familiar faces and places. Imagine how alien and uncomfortable it must feel to be overwhelmed with such novel sensory stimuli in a new environment with no ability to control or predict what will happen next. Imagine how a shelter’s goals of infectious disease control and sanitation and safety standards can worsen these stressors. Then, imagine how critical appropriate housing in the shelter is to a cat. Without appropriate housing, it is unreasonable to expect cats to psychologically and physically cope with the stressors of novel environments (McCune 1994). Good housing can mitigate the infectious disease, sanitation, safety, and welfare concerns mentioned above.


Behavioral stress scores of cats are highest early on in confinement and decrease over time based on husbandry and housing, so good housing must be present from the beginning of a shelter stay to help acclimate cats to new environments as effectively as possible (Kessler and Turner 1997; Stella and Croney 2016). Along with high‐quality, low‐stress husbandry, housing is the most important feature that can be harnessed in sheltering to provide cats with a sense of choice and control and thereby improve their welfare while in the shelter setting. Enriched, stimulating housing that allows for the expression of a wide range of normal behaviors is a critical aspect in promoting the health and well‐being of shelter cats. This chapter provides recommendations on feline housing that optimize feline behavioral well‐being in shelters.


16.1.1 Environmental Stressors


Many studies have researched how the structure, complexity, and interactivity of environments have effects on the behavior and health of confined animals (Morgan and Tromborg 2007). Potential environmental stressors for cats in confined settings include:



  • Overcrowding
  • Sounds, smells, and sights of unfamiliar dogs and cats as well as other foreign smells
  • Loud and startling noises
  • New experiences
  • Diminished control over and intrusion into personal space
  • Unfamiliar surroundings
  • Unpredictable routines
  • Unnatural social situations.

New environments can cause anxiety, fear, and stress in cats. Being confined, particularly in high‐density environments, heightens the problem (Arhant et al. 2015; Kessler and Turner 1999b; Ottway and Hawkins 2003). While some animals express stress through defensive or destructive behavior, confined cats with elevated behavioral stress scores show stress through inhibited or withdrawal behavior (Stella and Croney 2016). In this case, inactivity and the inhibition of normal behaviors such as self‐maintenance (decreased feeding, grooming, and elimination and increased feigned sleeping, meaning stress‐induced, fake sleeping) as well as the inhibition of exploratory and play behaviors are signs of compromised welfare (Carlstead 1993; McCune 1994; Ottway and Hawkins 2003; Rehnberg et al. 2015) (see Box 16.1). Cats with illness may modify their behavior in a similar way (Rochlitz 1999), so in a shelter setting the early recognition of lack of activity and normal behavior are critical in the prompt recognition and differentiation of medical and behavioral concerns. In addition, signs of stress such as inactivity may hinder adoptions since studies have shown that adopters view cats that are more active for longer periods of time and more frequently compared to inactive cats, leading to an increased adoption rate (Fantuzzi et al. 2010).


In addition, stress and immunity are closely linked, with chronic stress contributing to immunosuppression, which can lead to the development of infectious diseases such as upper respiratory disease (Gaskel and Povey 1977). Stress can also lead to behavioral concerns such as inappropriate elimination. Accordingly, reducing stress within the shelter environment is crucial to maintaining feline well‐being, health, and adoptability.


16.2 The Connection between Feline Housing and Well‐Being


The greater extent to which a cat can control or cope with a stressor can positively impact their welfare (Carlstead 1993; Griffin and Hume 2006). Appropriate housing that is designed to consider the biological, behavioral, and social needs of cats allows for improved coping mechanisms and a wide range of normal behaviors. Appropriate housing, by encouraging good welfare, also facilitates the provision of the Five Freedoms (referred to here on out as the Freedoms) and the Five Pillars of a Healthy Feline Environment (hereafter the Pillars) (Ellis et al. 2013; Manteca et al. n.d.) (see Box 16.2). Upholding these Freedoms and Pillars means that housing allows for cats to express normal behavior, have access to multiple enrichment sources and does not contribute to discomfort, pain, injury, disease, fear, or distress. As an example, appropriate feline housing has been shown to be one of the primary tools in mitigating the development of upper respiratory disease in cats by reducing behavioral stress, as reflected by lower stress scores (Tanaka et al. 2012; Wagner et al. 2018b). Not only is the cat’s well‐being positively impacted, but cats that appear more relaxed and friendly are more likely to be adopted (Fantuzzi et al. 2010; Gourkow and Fraser 2006).


Shelters admit and care for a wide‐ranging population of cats, differing in source, health, age, and sociability. Each cat is an individual. Stress can induce different behaviors in different cats and each cat copes with stress through different means. Accordingly, providing a variety of housing and enrichment options is critical in helping each cat acclimate to the sheltering environment in its own way. The size, quality, and ability to offer a sense of control and choice are critical when providing appropriate feline housing.


Appropriate housing addresses multiple factors in the sheltering setting: it takes into account the unique biological needs of cats and the need for cats to cope with unfamiliar environments; it can be tailored to meet the individual needs of cats, ranging from highly socialized housecats that are relatively comfortable in novel settings to cats that may be poorly socialized with people and highly fearful in novel settings; it upholds animal and public safety; it facilitates reduced disease transmission; it does not aesthetically or emotionally distress adopters and, instead, presents animals in favorable ways and allows for increased interaction with potential adopters. Appropriate husbandry is intimately linked to appropriate housing in maintaining feline well‐being.


It is also important to note that in some instances it is inappropriate to house cats in the shelter environment. Feral cats, unaccustomed to confinement and handling, are particularly distressed in shelter settings. Kittens under the age of five months, who are not reliably protected by vaccination, are more susceptible to infectious diseases in the shelter. Avoid housing both populations of cats or, at minimum, minimize their length of stay in the shelter through the use of intake diversion programs and foster homes, respectively.


16.3 Macro‐ and Microenvironmental Considerations for Feline Housing


Appropriate aspects of housing that uphold the Freedoms and Pillars ensure that cats have freedom from discomfort, as well as fear and distress, while also allowing cats the freedom to express normal behavior. In short, this means cats are provided a sense of choice in that they are provided the ability to move freely within their enclosure, choose to engage in a range of normal behaviors, and assume a fuller repertoire of normal postures within their enclosures. Focus should be on both the macroenvironment (the environment immediately outside of the primary enclosure) and the microenvironment (the environment within the primary enclosure) as both are important factors in the ability of confined cats to acclimate to an unfamiliar environment (Stella et al. 2014).


It is important to note that all feline housing within a shelter should strive to meet these macro‐ and microenvironment recommendations. The quality and quantity of housing in isolation areas should match that of adoption and holding areas. Every cat, regardless of where they are in the sheltering process, deserves sufficient space and the choice to perform normal behaviors.


16.3.1 Considerations for the Macroenvironment


Macroenvironmental factors include lighting, sound, odor, temperature and visual stimulation. Managing the area surrounding primary enclosures is just as important in reducing feline stress as is managing the enclosure itself (Stella et al. 2014).


The macroenvironment should allow for natural light. Light and darkness should be provided to support the natural (circadian) rhythms of wakefulness and sleep (Newbury et al. 2010). Views outside of housing areas, toward outdoor views or neutral indoor spaces are recommended. The use of LED lighting is recommended over fluorescent lighting as LEDs do not emit bothersome flickering or buzzing noises that cats can hear but humans may not. LEDs also provide softer lighting, which mimics natural lighting that is better in line with how cats see (Pollard and Shoults 2018a, 2018b).


Cats have a much broader hearing range than humans, meaning they are more sensitive to noise, particularly when they cannot move away from loud noises. Exposure to noise within the macroenvironment should be minimized, including the barking of dogs (McCobb et al. 2005; Stella et al. 2014), loud conversations, music and slamming of cage doors. Housing areas should aim to minimize noise levels to less than 60 dB, a quiet conversational level (Stella and Buffington 2016). Design housing wards with highly absorptive ceiling materials to reduce reverberant noise (Pollard and Shoults 2018a).


Cats depend on olfactory cues more than humans, so they are also more sensitive to aversive odors. Minimize exposure to odors including strong disinfectants, unfamiliar animals, cigarette smoke and alcohol‐based hand sanitizers (Stella and Buffington 2016; Stella and Croney 2016). Try to maintain familiar scents within the environment when possible, such as familiar bedding containing the scent of the cat itself or its former home (Ellis et al. 2013).


Cats prefer a warmer ambient temperature than many other species, so maintain housing areas at 15.5–26.5° C (60–80° F) for temperature and 30–70% for humidity (Newbury et al. 2010; Stella and Buffington 2016). Higher humidity (e.g., 70%) has been correlated with reduced respiratory disease in animals as the increased moisture helps maintain healthier respiratory passages that can more readily resist pathogens (Griffin 2012).


The macroenvironment also means that cage banks are raised and set at least 18 inches off the floor so cats have a “view” (Griffin 2013; McCobb et al. 2005; Wagner et al. 2018a). Elevated cages are less stressful than floor level cages, because cats can better survey their environment from an elevated position (McCobb et al. 2005). This also allows for cats to be both monitored more readily by staff and viewed more readily by adopters at eye level, which in turn can increase feline adoptions (Fantuzzi et al. 2010; Sinn 2016). Fill top cages before using bottom cages and, if needed, elevate cage banks with cage bases (Wagner et al. 2018a) (see Figure 16.1). Avoid triple‐stacking cages as this removes cats from the eye‐level of caretakers and adopters.


Views of other animals, including dogs and other cats, should be avoided. Cats grow fearful when seeing conspecifics and even cats that are acclimated to living with dogs will become frightened when seeing unfamiliar dogs (Rodan and Cannon 2016). Avoid facing housing units toward each other. If this is not possible, try to angle housing units so cats do not directly face one another and ensure there is more than 4 ft. between facing housing units to mitigate droplet transmission of infectious diseases (Gaskell and Povey 1977; Povey and Johnson 1970). Partial cage front coverings can provide an additional way for cats to retreat so they are not forced to see unfamiliar conspecifics.

Photo depicts elevated cage bank.

Figure 16.1 Elevated cage bank.


Source: Courtesy of Dr. Denae Wagner.


16.3.2 Considerations for the Microenvironment


Microenvironmental factors include the quality and quantity of space; different functional areas for eliminating, eating, and resting; and size and types of elimination facilities as well as hiding, stretching, and perching opportunities. Traditional, single‐compartment cages that provide less than 8–11 ft2 of floor space per cat cannot offer these distinct functional areas and limit the expression of species typical behaviors (Stella and Buffington 2016). These smaller cages need to be proactively avoided or adapted, such as through portalization to create double‐compartments and overall larger housing areas, to provide improved welfare and well‐being.


First and foremost, primary enclosures must be safe for the animal. The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters states that a “primary enclosure must be structurally sound and maintained in safe, working condition to properly confine animals, prevent injury, keep other animals out, and enable the animals to remain dry and clean. There must not be any sharp edges, gaps or other defects that could cause an injury or trap a limb or other body part. Secure latches or other closing devices must be present. Cage floors should be non‐slip and solid. It is unacceptable for primary enclosures to have wire‐mesh bottoms or slatted floors” (Newbury et al. 2010).


Primary enclosures should be tall and wide enough to allow cats to move about without touching sides of the cage and to fully stretch and express other common behaviors. The enclosure space should also be sufficient so that there is a minimum of 2 ft. between food and litter (Newbury et al. 2010). Accordingly, 8–11 ft2 is the minimum amount of floor space required for the healthy housing of cats and to help reduce behavioral and medical concerns, including upper respiratory disease (Newbury et al. 2010; Wagner et al. 2018a, 2018b). Specifically, cats housed in 11 ft2 of floor space were found to be significantly less stressed than those with only 5.3 ft2 of space (Kessler and Turner 1999b), while risk of upper respiratory disease was found to be significantly higher in shelters housing cats in cages with less than 8 ft2 of floor space (Wagner et al. 2018b). This space allotment refers to unobstructed floor space and does not include that provided by perches or other elevated resting areas. Functional separation of food and litter spaces, as well as the ability to move around adequately and change locations, provides a sense of control over the environment, which is necessary for avoiding stress (McMillan 2002). The Freedoms cannot be met without sufficient housing space allotment.


In short, primary enclosures should be large enough to allow for full body length stretching as well as separation of resting and eating areas from elimination areas. Double‐compartment enclosures can facilitate this separation by allowing cats to rest and eat in an area away from their elimination area. In addition, during cleaning double‐compartments allow for minimized animal handling and therefore less stress. This also leads to reduced likelihood of fomite transmission and increased safety as cats can be secured on one side of the compartment while cleaning occurs on the other side. Double‐compartment enclosures, therefore, uphold the tenets expressed in the Freedoms and Pillars.


Single‐compartment housing can be retrofitted with a portal to become double‐compartmentalized (see Figures 16.2 and 16.3). One common scenario seen is the retrofitting of two side‐to‐side, 2‐ft. wide, single stainless‐steel cages with a portal to create a double‐compartment configuration, which provides 8 ft2 of floor space per cat. This modification is an improvement over singled‐compartment caging, but shelters purchasing new primary enclosures or entirely replacing older enclosures should consider going beyond this minimum requirement to allow for greater movement and options for cats by providing a minimum of 11 ft2 of caging floor space per cat. In addition, primary enclosures with multiple portals can allow for additional cage units to be opened up during times of low shelter population, affording cats even more space (Pollard and Shoults 2018a; Wagner et al. 2018a).


New enclosures that are compartmentalized ideally should be configured of two equally sized compartments, as opposed to one large living compartment and one smaller litterbox compartment. In unequally sized double‐compartment units, fearful cats may seek more secure spaces and choose to rest in their litterboxes within the smaller compartment (Lewis 2017). Instead, the focus should be on providing large, equally sized, enriched spaces on both sides. If this is not possible, the living compartment should be at least 30–36 inches wide and the litterbox compartment should be at least 15 inches wide (Wagner et al. 2018a). Ensure that litterbox compartments do not have shelving that would restrict normal posturing when eliminating. Larger individual units, often manufactured with removable partitions, that meet minimum floor space requirements are alternatives to double‐compartment units but are less preferable as they do not allow for distinct separation between resting and elimination spaces.

Photo depicts portalized, double-compartment housing.

Figure 16.2 Portalized, double‐compartment housing.


Source: Courtesy of Kay Joubert.

Photo depicts portal installed into existent stainless-steel caging thereby converting this into a double-compartment housing unit.

Figure 16.3 Portal installed into existent stainless‐steel caging thereby converting this into a double‐compartment housing unit.


Source: Courtesy of Regional Animal Services of King County.


Walk‐in housing that provides adequate space is an alternative to traditional caged housing and has the additional benefit of allowing adopters and caretakers to enter the enclosure and gently interact with cats more readily. If renovating a facility and housing capacity allows for it, dog runs can be converted into walk‐in cat housing (see Figure 16.4), while new facilities can create customized walk‐in cat living spaces (UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program 2015) (see Figure 16.5).

Photo depicts dog kennel converted into walk-in cat housing.

Figure 16.4 Dog kennel converted into walk‐in cat housing.


Source: Courtesy of Dr. Denae Wagner.


Vertical space within primary enclosures, although not included in the minimum floor space requirement, is critical in allowing cats to express normal behaviors. A minimum of 30 inches of vertical height will allow for natural movement and increases the overall functional space and environmental complexity of an enclosure (Lewis 2017), encouraging exploratory behaviors such as climbing and jumping as well as providing space for elevated resting areas that offer a greater sense of security (Rochlitz 2000).


All cats, regardless of their demeanor and where they are housed within the shelter (adoption, isolation, or hold area), must have an opportunity to hide within their enclosure (Newbury et al. 2010). Hiding is a normal, adaptive behavior that reduces stress when cats are exposed to threats or unfamiliar and unpredictable environments (Arhant et al. 2015; Carlstead 1993; Gourkow and Fraser 2006; Kry and Casey 2007; McCune 1994; Rehnberg et al. 2015; Stella et al. 2014, 2017; van der Leij et al. 2019; Vinke et al. 2014). Studies show that hiding places are used more by cats with increased stress, indicated by behavioral stress scores (Ottway and Hawkins 2003; Rehnberg et al. 2015; Stella et al. 2014), and that hiding places help reduce stress as indicated by lower behavioral stress scores (Kry and Casey 2007; Vinke et al. 2014). Studies also show that hiding places can increase the behavioral repertoire of confined cats. The sense of security offered by hiding places can at some points increase exploratory behaviors in a cat, while at other points increase resting behavior. In both instances, the provision of hiding places indicates that a cat is more comfortable within its environment (de Oliveira et al. 2015; Kry and Casey 2007). However, attentive recognition of whether a cat is inactive due to comfort or is inactive due to stress is critical to maintaining welfare.

Photo depicts custom-built walk-in cat housing.

Figure 16.5 Custom‐built walk‐in cat housing.


Source: Courtesy of Dr. Denae Wagner.


The inability to hide increases stress as it precludes the ability to control aversive stimuli. Persistently stressed cats may not adapt to a new environment and, accordingly, will not display as much active, exploratory play behavior, which may affect their adoption likelihood (Carlstead 1993; Griffin and Hume 2006). Visual concealment can be offered through the provision of hiding places within the primary enclosure or by partially covering the front of an enclosure. Offering the choice to hide is equally important, so visual concealment techniques should allow cats the choice to hide if they need to and, conversely, allow them to be exploratory and exposed if they would like to be. Examples of hiding places include cardboard boxes, cat carriers with their doors open, feral dens or beds with high sides. Hiding places should be placed in the back of the cage, turned to the side so cats do not have to look out and, ideally, be enclosed on three sides to maximize the sense of physical protection. In cats that are comfortable in their new environment, hiding boxes can be oriented forward so cats can look out if they want to (Rodan and Cannon 2016) (see Figure 16.6). Line hiding places with soft bedding for additional comfort.

Photo depicts hiding place allowing cat to face outward.

Figure 16.6 Hiding place allowing cat to face outward.


Source: Courtesy of Kay Joubert.


If the primary enclosure is not large enough to house a hiding box, then draping a towel over a shelf or an elevated bed (see Figure 16.7) or placing a partial covering on an enclosure’s front can also work (see Figure 16.8). Cats that are not given the opportunity to hide have been noted to turn cage furnishings upside down and shred newspaper within their cage at night or crouch behind their bed or litterbox in what seems to be an attempt to conceal themselves (Carlstead 1993; Gourkow and Fraser 2006; Kry and Casey 2007; Vinke et al. 2014). Cats may do this when they are struggling to cope with their environment or when they are sick (Stella and Buffington 2016).


Concerns that hiding opportunities impede adoption rates are unfounded. Studies have shown no negative effect on length of stay or adoption rate when shelters provide cats with hide spots. In addition, no difference in time to adoption has been shown between cats with hiding places versus cats without hiding places (Gourkow and Fraser 2006; Kry and Casey 2007). Studies instead show that providing the option to hide leads to improved welfare and, accordingly, can help cats appear more relaxed and social. These cats are likely to be more affiliative and approach people. Conversely, cats without hiding places have decreased welfare with no adoption advantage.

Photo depicts elevated bed creating both a hiding place and a perching spot.

Figure 16.7 Elevated bed creating both a hiding place and a perching spot.


Source: Courtesy of Dr. Denae Wagner.

Photo depicts partial cage front covering offering a choice to retreat.

Figure 16.8 Partial cage front covering offering a choice to retreat.


Source: Courtesy of Dr. Denae Wagner.


Bedding not only serves as a source of comfort but as a source of familiarity. Thick soft bedding should be provided to ensure cats achieve extended periods of normal deep sleep (Griffin 2012). Bedding, which can become a source of a familiar scent, should be laundered only when soiled and/or if a primary enclosure is being prepared for a new cat. Bedding should not cover the entirety of the floor of an enclosure as cats should have the choice to lay on bedding or on a different surface as desired.


Scratching allows cats to exhibit a normal behavior used to mark territory with visual and olfactory signaling. A variety of scratching substrates that can be discarded should be provided as preferred substrates vary between cats. Examples include disposable cardboard scratchers or carpet squares. In addition, while most cats prefer vertical scratch pads, some cats will use horizontal ones, so both types should be provided. Many cats scratch more after resting or sleeping so scratching pads can be strategically placed around resting areas (Rochlitz 2005).


Even color palettes matter when it comes to feline housing. Because cats can see in the ultraviolet B spectrum, avoid manmade materials that appear to fluoresce or reflect such as bright white plastics, which can be visually jarring to cats. Select matte finishes when possible. Cats have superior night vision but cannot see the red end of the human visible spectrum. Reds and oranges appear dull grey and shadowy to cats, making it harder to differentiate surfaces. Accordingly, choose light colors, such as blues, greens, and violets, within and surrounding enclosures so cats can better comprehend the environment around them in low‐light situations (Pollard and Shoults 2018b).


Every cat should have a high point to perch on (Newbury et al. 2010). Elevation and the ability to perch are stress reducers as they offer a sense of security from a vantage point and an area to retreat if needed (Ellis et al. 2013; Rochlitz 2007). Cats prefer elevated spaces more than floor areas (Rochlitz et al. 1998). Perches also maximize the functional space of an enclosure and should be both wide and long enough for a cat to fully stretch out (Ellis et al. 2013). At a minimum, perching shelves should be 12 inches wide and raised 13–14 inches off the cage floor to accommodate hiding boxes under them (Wagner et al. 2018a). Ensure ease of access to elevated areas for cats with reduced mobility due to old age, injury, or disease by providing steps and non‐slip surfaces. Avoid built‐in shelves as they can be hard to clean and limit the configuration of housing (Wagner et al. 2018a). Elevated walkways and hammocks also work well to provide elevation.


16.3.2.1 Specific Design Aspects of Primary Enclosures


Provide quiet cage latches that click instead of slam and quiet hinges to reduce loud noises associated with opening and closing cage doors. Irregular, high amplitude sounds of metal striking metal can be very loud and provoke distress responses in animals (Morgan and Tromborg 2007). For cage fronts, use horizontal bars as they allow for more unobstructed views of the environment and natural ventilation. Having the ability to directly interact with cats is very important to adopters, so avoid the use of completely sealed‐in glass cage fronts that prevent adopters from interacting with cats (Sinn 2016). If current enclosure design does not allow for adopter interaction, then ensure that visiting rooms are present within the shelter for adopters to interact and play with potential adoptees and ensure that cats are acclimated to the rooms. Consider transparent backs on cage units to prevent the feeling of claustrophobia for confined cats, while always providing a space to hide if needed (see Box 16.3).


16.3.2.2 Enrichment


The definition of enrichment is an intervention in which changes to environmental structures and husbandry practices result in increasing behavioral choices for animals to promote species‐appropriate behaviors and abilities, thus enhancing animal welfare (Young 2003). In short, environmental enrichment is intended to create and sustain a perception of control and predictability about the surrounding area that permits cats to thrive (Stella and Buffington 2016) (see Box 16.4). Enrichment is required for any duration of confinement and must be appropriate for the length of stay for each animal (Newbury et al. 2010). Enrichment becomes increasingly important as length of stay increases.

Oct 18, 2022 | Posted by in SUGERY, ORTHOPEDICS & ANESTHESIA | Comments Off on Feline Housing for Behavioral Well‐Being

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