[Survey of the existing housing situation for cats (Felis catus) in German-Swiss animal shelters].

This study investigated the current situation of cat husbandry in the animal shelters of german-speaking Switzerland. In 1993, Swiss-german animal shelters occupied just over 5000 housing spaces. Additionally, there was one quarantine space per eight housing spaces. During the summer, which is the season of highest demand, the requirement for housing and quarantine spaces was inadequate. In 1993, approximately 30,000 cats were housed in Swiss-german animal shelters. About four fifths of all entries were boarding cats and the rest were homeless cats. In 1993, about three-quarters of all homeless cats were rehoused with new owners. About a tenth of the remaining cats were reclaimed by their owners. Another tenth of the animals were euthanatized. 63 animal shelters kept cats mainly in group housing enclosures. 15 preferred single/pair boxes, whereas 22 animal shelters used both types of housing. This study shows that more housing and quarantine spaces are needed and should be built for the summer season, to avoid the inadequate housing capacities in Swiss-german animal shelters.