New data released by Best Friends Animal Society shows that the number of cats killed in U.S. shelters has declined by nearly 75 percent over the past decade, marking one of the most significant improvements in animal welfare in recent years.
The data, collected from more than 10,000 shelters nationwide, indicates that a record number of cats were saved in 2025. Best Friends attributes the progress to several factors, including expanded community cat programs, increased adoption rates, and growing kitten foster networks.
Community cat programs have played a major role in reducing shelter deaths. These initiatives focus on trapping, spaying or neutering, vaccinating, and returning healthy cats to their outdoor homes. Over the past decade, the number of cats safely returned through these programs has increased by nearly 70 percent.
Adoption trends have also shifted. Cat adoptions have risen about 20 percent during the same period, with younger generations leading the way. According to the organization, members of Generation Z are now adopting cats at the highest rate among age groups.
Volunteer-based kitten foster programs have also expanded across the country. Kittens represent nearly half of the cats entering shelters and are among the most vulnerable animals in care. Foster volunteers provide round-the-clock care for neonatal kittens during their earliest weeks, helping improve survival rates while easing pressure on shelters.
“A 75 percent decrease in the number of cats unnecessarily dying in shelters simply because they don’t have a safe place to call home is something I want to shout from the rooftops,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “This is incredibly promising news; however, there are still roughly 200,000 more cats being killed each year.”
The data release comes as shelters prepare for “kitten season,” the spring-through-fall period when shelters often see an influx of newborn kittens.
To support these efforts, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary will host a community Kitten Shower on March 21 from 10 AM to noon at the Best Friends Fitness Center, 163 S. 100 E., in Kanab. The event will provide information about fostering and offer opportunities to meet adoptable cats and kittens, as available.
Community members are also encouraged to donate supplies commonly needed for neonatal kitten care, including formula, bottles, and heating pads.
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Kanab, Best Friends Animal Society operates the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary and partners with more than 6,000 shelters and rescue organizations across the country. The organization works toward a national goal of achieving “no-kill” shelters, defined as saving at least 90 percent of animals entering shelters.
More information about the organization and its programs is available at bestfriends.org.
