title: Determinants of Cat Choice and Outcomes for Adult Cats and Kittens Adopted from an Australian Animal Shelter.
abstract: The percentage of adult cats euthanized in animal shelters is greater than that of kittens because adult cats are less likely to be adopted. This study aimed to provide evidence to inform the design of strategies to encourage adult cat adoptions. One such strategy is to discount adoption prices, but there are concerns that this may result in poor adoption outcomes. We surveyed 382 cat adopters at the time of adoption, to assess potential determinants of adopters' cat age group choice (adult or kitten) and, for adult cat adopters, the price they are willing to pay. The same respondents were surveyed again 6-12 months after the adoption to compare outcomes between cat age groups and between adult cats in two price categories. Most adopters had benevolent motivations for adopting from the shelter and had put considerable thought into the adoption and requirements for responsible ownership. However, adult cat adopters were more likely to have been influenced by price than kitten adopters. Adoption outcomes were generally positive for both adult cats and kittens and for adult cats adopted at low prices. The latter finding alleviates concerns about the outcomes of "low-cost" adoptions in populations, such as the study population, and lends support for the use of "low-cost" adoptions as an option for attempting to increase adoption rates. In addition, the results provide information that can be used to inform future campaigns aimed at increasing the number of adult cat adoptions, particularly in devising marketing strategies for adult cats.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia. s.zito@uq.edu.au.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zito
authors.affiliation: RSPCA Queensland, Locked Bag 3000, Archerfield BH, QLD 4108, Australia. mpaterson@rspcaqld.org.au.
authors.forename: Mandy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia. dianne.stephens@outlook.com.
authors.forename: Dianne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vankan
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia. john.morton@optusnet.com.au.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia. Pauleen.Bennett@latrobe.edu.au.
authors.forename: Pauleen
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.affiliation: Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia. c.phillips@uq.edu.au.
authors.forename: Clive
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Phillips
keywords: adult cat and kitten adoption; animal shelter; cat adoption outcomes; cat choice; low-cost adoption; shelter medicine; unwanted cats