Effects of Age, Sex, and Coat Color on Hair Cortisol and DHEA as Stress Indicators in Sheltered and Adopted Cats

This study on 21 domestic cats explored how age, sex, coat color, and living environment affect hair cortisol and DHEA levels as stress indicators. It found that coat color significantly impacts stress hormone levels, with dark-coated cats having higher levels than light-coated cats, while age and sex do not have a significant effect. Cats in shelters had elevated stress hormone levels, which decreased significantly after adoption, suggesting that adoption reduces long-term stress and enhances feline welfare. The study highlights the importance of considering coat color in stress analyses and suggests future research should involve larger cohorts and behavioral assessments.