Ever wonder why some cats get adopted quickly while others wait for weeks or months? Here’s what really influences “adoptability”, and how you can see beyond the surface.
You walk into the shelter and see a dozen cats. One catches your eye. Why?
Sometimes it's the cat’s color. Other times, it’s the way they look at you, or don’t. But behind every adoption decision are a mix of visible and invisible factors that shape what we call “adoptability.”
At Moricat, we believe that every cat deserves a chance. But it’s true, some cats are adopted faster than others. So what exactly makes a cat “adoptable”? The answer is more complex than you think.
1. Coat Color Still Affects Outcomes
Despite growing awareness, color bias is still real. A large shelter study of over 8,000 cats found that black cats had the lowest adoption rates and the highest euthanasia rates, while white cats were adopted most quickly (Fountain et al.).
Even after controlling for age, breed, and stray status, black cats continued to face worse outcomes, confirming that superficial preferences still shape outcomes.
Tip: When considering adoption, challenge your initial bias. A cat’s personality, not coat color, defines their companionship.
2. Photos and Videos Change Perception
In a study comparing cat still images vs. short videos, researchers found that videos made cats seem more playful, curious, and active, while photos highlighted traits like calmness, quietness, and shyness (Kogan et al.).
All three cats in the study were rated as more adoptable in videos than in photos. The conclusion? Movement and context make a major difference.
Tip: Ask the shelter if they have videos of cats you’re interested in, or interact in person before making assumptions based on appearance.
3. Staff Interaction Influences Adopter Decisions
It’s not just about the cat—it’s about how the cat is presented. According to a study of nearly 1,500 adopters, information shared by shelter staff or volunteers influenced decisions more than written descriptions on cage cards (Weiss et al.).
Behavior details, backstory, and personal anecdotes helped adopters connect emotionally, often outweighing visible factors like color or age.
Tip: Talk to shelter staff! They often know which cat matches your energy better than a label or photo can explain.
4. Behavioral “Fit” Is More Important Than Friendliness
Many adopters assume the most outgoing cat is the “best” choice. But research suggests that fit is more important than friendliness.
A highly active, playful cat might be a mismatch for a quiet household. A shy, quiet cat might be perfect for someone working from home who values a mellow companion.
Tip: Ask about the cat’s activity level, independence, and how they interact with strangers, not just whether they’re “friendly.”
Final Thoughts
Adoptability isn’t just about looks or personality, it's about alignment. The cats that get adopted the fastest often check shallow boxes, but the cats who stay longer may be the ones who fit your life best.
At Moricat, we support giving every cat a fair chance to shine. Our collars, calming beds, and enrichment tools are designed to help shelter cats transition into their forever homes, no matter how long it takes.
References:
Fountain, Tracy, et al. “Coat color, cat adoption, euthanasia, shelter outcomes, black cat bias.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science
Kogan, Lori, et al. “Feline, adoption, personality, photograph, video.” Anthrozoös
Weiss, Emily, et al. “Adopter; adoption; dog; cat; animal shelter; appearance; behavior; greeting; interaction; selection.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science
Writen by: Moodra
Designed by: Lexin Yuan