Adoption Risks
Understanding the barriers that may impact a cat’s adoption chances.
Anyone who has spent time with shelters and their animals knows that some cats are more likely to be adopted than others. Whether it’s due to misunderstandings, superstition, behavior, or simply ignorance, many wonderful cats lose out on a chance for a good home. Below you will find a breakdown of each of these factors as well as a few suggestions for combating the problem so the cats under your care can find a good home!
It’s unfortunate but true: black cats, and cats with darker coat colors, tend to suffer from superstitious belief even today. But why, though? The truth is that many people are swayed easily by superstition, even today. As such, many believe that black cats are a source of bad luck. In addition, some people feel that black cats are more aggressive than their lighter colored counterparts. It was found in a study in Denton, TX, USA, that participants felt black and darker-toned cats are more aggressive, largely due to their difficult to read features and physical cues, despite these cats not having any more or less aggressive tendencies than lighter colored cats.
Black Cat Bias
In general, the younger the cat, the higher its chances of being adopted over their more senior counterparts. Kittens are adorable, there’s no doubt about that. As a result, though, they are often adopted far more quickly than adult cats, largely due to older cats being set in their ways and personalities. This makes them more difficult to find homes for, especially when they do not like other animals or even children. Senior cats (those around 8 years of age or older) face the biggest challenge when it comes to adoption based on age.
Young and Old
People tend to like fancy things, and it is no different when it comes to pets. It’s been observed in many shelters that unique breeds of cats tend to be adopted far more quickly than mixed breeds or other common breeds. Some breeds that have been shown to be adopted more quickly include: Siamese, Maine Coon, Persians, Ragdolls, Manx, and more.
Best in Breed
One of the greatest appeals of a cat is their individual and independent natures. Cats have an incredibly wide range of personalities, but sometimes those behavioral traits can work against them when it comes to adoption chances. Many adopters have cited a cat’s openness, friendliness, and playfulness as key factors when deciding which to take home. Aggressive cats are far less likely to adopted as a result, as are overly shy, timid, or fearful cats. In such cases, the strategies offered in the Blinking & Clicking section of this site may prove useful.
Lots of Personality
Overcoming biases is challenging, but these simple strategies can help improve cat adoption rates:
Showcase each cat’s unique personality through social media, newsletters, and local news affiliates.
Urge adopters to meet cats firsthand to overcome biases.
Minimizing stress improves behavior. Try out the Blinking & Clicking strategies in this kit’s posters!
If they’re friendly, let some cats serve as shelter ambassadors.
What Can You Do?
Download the Adoption Risks Trifold PDF here or on the Downloads page!