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Several studies have evaluated the stressors impacting shelter and laboratory cats. Shelter cats exhibiting higher stress scores are at higher risk of developing upper respiratory tract infections (Tanaka et al. 2012). One study reported that feigned sleep may be a coping mechanism seen in stressed shelter cats (Dinnage 2006). An increased need for restorative sleep has been demonstrated in both humans and animals exposed to physiological or biological stress (Rampin et al. 1991; Rushen 2000). These data suggest that while cats may appear to be the most relaxed of animals, they may, in fact, suffer the highest levels of stress.

The stress level of most kenneled cats will decrease over the first few days to weeks. One study demonstrated that two‐thirds of cats will adjust well within the first two weeks (Kessler and Turner 1997). The same study demonstrated that about 4% of cats maintained a high level of stress for the entire study period, suggesting that for a small segment of the feline population, housing in the shelter for any extended period may not be in the best interest of that individual (Kessler and Turner 1997).

Table 4.1 Common Stressors and Behavioral Signs of Stress in Shelter Dogs and Cats (Jones and Josephs 2006; Horváth et al. 2008; Beerda et al. 1998, 1999; Carlstead et al. 1993; Kessler and Turner 1999b; Tanaka et al. 2012; Kessler and Turner 1997; Dinnage 2006).

Common stressors	Behavioral signs of stress
Dogs
Separation from familiar social figures Loud noises Restraint and unpredictable handling Confinement Elimination on unfamiliar surfaces and/or in living space Sounds and odors associated with the stress and aggressive behavior of other dogs Altered routines Immersion in novel environment, surrounded by novel stimuli	Trembling Crouching Oral behaviors (e.g., snout licking, swallowing, smacking) Yawning Restlessness Lowered body posture Increased autogrooming Paw lifting Vocalizing Repetitive behavior Coprophagy
Cats
Unpredictable handling and husbandry routines Increased density of group‐housing Inability to hide	Decreased food intake and weight loss Less play and active exploratory behaviors More time awake and alert Attempting to hide Behavioral apathy Vocalization Escape behaviors Aggressive behavior Feigned sleep