The wait is almost over! Maddie’s^® Insights returns this September with the latest research in animal well-being (welfare) and how you can use the findings in your shelter and community. The first webcast will be Social Behavior and Implications for Bonded Pairs in Group-housed Shelter Cats on Thursday, September 14th at 12p PT/ 3p ET. Save your spot now!

Little is known about the social behavior of cats living in group housing at shelters. In a series of studies, Dr. Malini Suchak and her research team at Canisius University recorded all the social behavior occurring between cats living in group housing and compared cats who were introduced at the shelter versus those who were surrendered together. They then followed up by specifically examining social behavior between cats who were labeled as bonded pairs or adopted together. Cats who were labeled as bonded pairs had a longer time to adoption, but the relationship between this designation and social behavior was weak. Recommendations will be provided for identifying bonded pairs.