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Does clicker training reduce stress in shelter cats?
Veterinary Evidence
|April 20, 2026
Summary
Clicker training shows preliminary evidence of reducing stress behaviors in shelter cats. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness compared to other enrichment methods.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Animal Welfare
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Shelter environments can induce stress in domestic cats.
- Identifying effective enrichment strategies is crucial for improving feline welfare in shelters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of clicker training in reducing stress indicators in shelter cats.
- To compare clicker training to no training as an intervention for stress reduction.
Main Methods:
- A review of two studies was conducted: one prospective quasi-randomised clinical trial and one quasi-experimental before-and-after study.
- Studies examined behavioural and physiological measures of stress in cats undergoing clicker training.
Main Results:
- Both reviewed studies indicated a reduction in behavioural indicators of stress in cats participating in clicker training programs.
- Statistical significance was not achieved for all observed decreases, and confounding factors were noted in both studies.
Conclusions:
- Clicker training may serve as a valuable enrichment tool for mitigating stress in shelter cats.
- Further research is necessary to establish its superiority over other enrichment methods and address practical implementation challenges in shelters.
