The Impact of Environmental Enrichment on the Cortisol Level of Shelter Cats.

Simple Summary: A shelter for homeless animals is a highly stressful place for cats. This study aimed to assess whether enriching the living environment of these cats with additional resources, such as scratching posts and hiding places, would reduce long-term stress. One hundred and seventy-nine cats took part in the study. The research material consisted of hair. Cortisol levels were analyzed. The results confirmed that cats from a more enriched environment had almost half the cortisol level in their hair than those with fewer resources. Enriching cats' living environment in shelters is crucial in reducing their stress. Easier access to resources allows cats to display natural behavior. This study aimed to assess whether cats staying in an enriched environment would be less stressed than cats staying in a standard environment. The first group consisted of cats living in an environment with fewer resources (standard environment)—103 cats. The second group consisted of cats living in an enriched environment—76 cats. The research material consisted of hair collected to determine the cortisol level. The results indicate that cats from a more enriched environment have almost half the level of cortisol in hair than cats from an environment with fewer resources (0.059 ng/mg vs. 0.101 ng/mg; p = 0.000001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]