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Enhancing Cat Adoption Success: Tips for Encouraging Positive Cat-Human Interactions in Shelters

Caroline Clark Qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Veterinary Nurse
12/09/2024

Adopters usually want a cat that they can engage with. Shelter staff can encourage positive cat-human interactions and thereby improve the prospect of a cat finding a new home using some simple steps:

  • For less confident cats – just sit quietly in their presence. Read a book or relax with a closed body posture without having any expectations. Avoid eye contact and let them lead the interaction. If the cat approaches, respond positively following the recommendations given here: https://petcourses.co.uk/free-resources/recommendations-for-approaching-and-interacting-with-unfamiliar-cats
  • When a cat comes to the front of the accommodation always reward their behaviour by giving them attention and a tasty morsel. Even during busy times it’s important to acknowledge them positively because this behaviour should be encouraged. Without being seen they’re unlikely to find a home!
  • Seeing cats play is charming and from the cat’s perspective it’s a mental and physical workout. Gauge their interest and preferences by using a few different kinds of toy and ensure they are on hand when adopters come to view them.
  • If toys are shared throughout the shelter, ensure that they have been thoroughly cleaned and are free from the scent of other cats.
  • Positive reinforcement training sessions help relieve a cat’s boredom but can also encourage them to interact with people. Teaching a responsive cat a target touch (https://petcourses.co.uk/free-resources/target-training) or a ‘high five’ (https://petcourses.co.uk/free-resources/high-five-cat-training) can connect them more quickly with prospective adopters.
Caroline Clark
Caroline has a long and varied career working with companion animals. After many years working as a veterinary nurse she attended teacher training college and pursued a career in education - teaching veterinary nursing and other animal related subjects. Caroline's interest in behaviour led her to Southampton University where she gained a post graduate diploma in companion animal behaviour counselling and, after qualifying in 2006, she opened her own behaviour referral clinic in Yorkshire . She is a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and is one of only a relatively small number of specialists to have achieved the status of Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) with the Animal Behaviour Training Council. (ABTC). Caroline is the author of two books: Fear and Anxiety in Dogs, published by Crowood Press and A Professional's Guide to Feline Behaviour, published by CRC Press. Caroline has also written several articles for veterinary journals, is a public speaker and has appeared as the animal specialist on the 20 part, Channel Four TV series, ‘Embarrassing Pets’ which is still aired worldwide.