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Updated: May 15, 2025

Real-Time Void Spot Assay
Published on: February 10, 2023
Variation in urine output from shelter cats is explained by shelter location, not kennel size
Allison Andrukonis1, Nathaniel J Hall2
1School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America.
Abstract:
Monitoring and decreasing stress in cats housed in animal shelters is essential for maintaining adequate welfare. Urine output is a potential indicator of shelter cat stress. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the provision of extra space using a portal connecting two kennels and daily petting on urine output at two different municipal shelters in the United States. Cats (n = 59) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control, Portal, Petting, and Portal and Petting. Litter clumps were weighed daily for five days as a measure of urine output. Additionally, cats were given a daily Cat Stress Score. Experimental group did not significantly predict urine output nor Cat Stress Score. However, living at Shelter B significantly predicted increased urine output. The results from the present study suggest that shelter-related factors might impact urine output of cats more than kennel size or petting alone.
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