- Best Friends Animal Society reports that the number of cats killed in U.S. shelters has decreased by nearly 75 percent over the past decade.
- The findings are based on data collected from more than 10,000 animal shelters nationwide.
- Community cat programs, increased cat adoptions, and kitten foster programs are cited as key drivers of the improvement.
- Cat adoptions have risen about 20 percent in the last 10 years, with Gen Z emerging as a leading group of adopters.
- Despite progress, roughly 200,000 cats are still euthanized annually in U.S. shelters.
New national data from Best Friends Animal Society shows a significant reduction in the number of cats killed in animal shelters across the United States over the past decade.
According to the organization’s 2025 dataset, compiled from information provided by more than 10,000 shelters nationwide, the number of cats euthanized in shelters has declined by nearly 75 percent compared with figures from 10 years ago. The organization says the milestone reflects improvements in shelter practices, community programs, and adoption trends.
The report also indicates that a record number of cats were saved in shelters during 2025.
Drivers behind improved feline outcomes
Best Friends Animal Society attributes the progress to several factors that have expanded lifesaving capacity for cats in shelters and communities.
Community cat programs have been a major contributor. These initiatives typically involve trapping outdoor cats, spaying or neutering them, vaccinating them, and returning healthy animals to their outdoor environments. Over the past decade, the number of cats safely returned to their communities through these programs has increased by nearly 70 percent.
Adoption trends have also improved outcomes. Cat adoptions have increased approximately 20 percent during the last decade, with younger generations playing a major role in the shift. According to the organization, Gen Z has become the generation adopting the largest number of cats.
Volunteer-based kitten foster programs have also expanded across shelters. Because kittens represent nearly half of all cats entering shelters and require intensive care in their earliest weeks, foster programs allow volunteers to provide around-the-clock support in home environments. These programs help improve survival rates while easing capacity pressures within shelters.
Continued challenges despite progress
Animal welfare leaders say the data reflects meaningful progress but emphasize that challenges remain. Best Friends Animal Society estimates that approximately 200,000 cats are still euthanized in shelters each year.
The organization says continued adoption, fostering, volunteering, and advocacy will be necessary to eliminate preventable shelter deaths.
The data release comes as shelters across the country enter kitten season, the period from spring through fall when shelters typically see a surge in newborn and juvenile cats.
During this time, shelters often rely on community volunteers to foster kittens and support facilities experiencing increased intake.
Organization background
Best Friends Animal Society is a national animal welfare organization focused on ending the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters. Founded in 1984, the organization partners with more than 6,000 shelters and rescue groups and operates the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.
The organization also maintains one of the most comprehensive animal sheltering datasets in the United States, providing communities with insights into local shelter trends and opportunities to support lifesaving efforts.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
