Punt, JenniferAmanda Fowler2023-10-102023-10-1020232023https://repository.upenn.edu/handle/20.500.14332/58907Although loose guidelines and standards exist, housing for cats in shelters is not strictly regulated or enforced in the United States, thus contributing to the poor welfare of many shelter cats. There are a variety of housing types for cats in shelters, each with their own welfare benefits and drawbacks. The goal of this paper was to examine current housing practices for cats in shelters and their consequent effects on welfare, with a specific focus on group housing compared to single cat housing. In order to determine the best housing practices, I examined three studies which directly compared group housing and single housing of shelter cats. I found that group housing has the potential to increase welfare, but only under specific conditions. For example, groups must be relatively small and stable, comprised of cats socialized to conspecifics, and have access to ample resources, space, and enrichment. Group housing is not the best fit for every cat, however, it provides the opportunity for social interactions and enrichment, which can be fulfilling for many cats. More research is needed to determine the best housing practices for improving the welfare of shelter cats, but these findings may bring us one step closer to developing much-needed standards and regulations.author or copyright holder retaining all copyrights in the submitted workSocial and Behavioral SciencesAnimalanimal welfareanimal behavioranimal scienceDissertation/Thesis