A Retrospective Study of Cat Hoarding Cases and Their Management Through Voluntary Spay/Neuter and Relinquishment In New York City

Abstract

Introduction: Animal hoarding cases are complex sources of shelter intake. Cases require significant planning, collaboration, and resources, often from multiple responding organizations. Study objectives included description of cat hoarding cases in New York City not criminally pursued, case outcomes when managed by a spay/neuter and relinquishment program utilizing a collaborative approach with caregivers, and characteristics or interventions leading to better outcomes. Methods: Data were extracted from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s Community Engagement (CE) case files. Eligible cases were retrieved using a keyword search and screened for inclusion criteria. Client demographics, case factors, and outcomes were described with descriptive statistics. Data were further analyzed using adjusted logistic regression models to investigate variables predictive of outcomes. Results: The study population included 79 cases with a median population size of 22 cats. The majority of clients were female, lived alone, and had high levels of social vulnerability. Object hoarding was reported in 29.1% of cases and unsanitary conditions in 68.4% of cases. Almost one-third (30.4%) identified as rescuers or community cat caregivers. At the time of the first interaction with CE, 88.6% of clients were interested in spay/neuter and 76.0% in surrender services. Social service agencies were involved in the initial CE intervention in 26.4% of cases. Successful outcomes were defined as cases in which clients were left with a manageable population of cats, or all cats were removed. Successful outcomes were achieved in 67.1% of cases after the first CE intervention. Recidivism occurred in 41.5% of these cases. Clients who showed an initial interest in surrender were 10 times more likely (OR 10.0, P = 0.014) to experience a successful outcome than clients not interested in surrender. Significant predictors of re-collection included clients identifying as rescuers (OR 4.8, P = 0.039) and the involvement of human service agencies during or after the CE intervention (OR 6.1, P = 0.041). Conclusion: Results demonstrate animal hoarding cases involving cooperative caregivers and rescuers can be successfully managed by programs using a collaborative approach with clients. The high rates of initial interest in spay/neuter and surrender in caregivers suggest a need to expand access to veterinary care and strategically manage case intake into shelters. Further interdisciplinary research is needed on how mental health, social service, and animal service providers can attain successful outcomes long-term and reduce recidivism in animal hoarding cases.