Nearly 75% fewer cats killed in shelters across country than decade prior, new data shows

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SALT LAKE CITY — A record number of cats were saved from being killed by shelters in 2025, with nearly 75% fewer deaths compared to the last decade. The data, courtesy of national animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Society, comes from more than 10,000 shelters across the United States. “A 75% 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,” Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, said. “This is incredibly promising news; however, there are still roughly 200,000 more cats being killed each year. To be part of the solution, people can adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, advocate and share on social media to help us save them all.” Best Friends Animal Society credits growing nationwide programs that spay/neuter, vaccinate and return healthy cats to their outdoor homes. Additionally, cat adoption rates have risen by 20% over the last decade. Best Friends Animal Society said Gen Z has been "leading the way" as the generation that has adopted the most cats. [gallery size="medium" ids="888633,888634,888635,888636,888637,888638,888639,888640,888641,888642"]

Kitten shower after spring equinox

These numbers come shortly before the spring equinox, which arrives when most shelters begin to see an increase in kittens arriving in shelters. The spring-to-fall period coincides with what is sometimes called 'Kitten Season,' though cats can have litters of kittens at any point in the year. In order to support the season, Best Friends Pet Adoption Centers in Salt Lake City will be hosting a 'Kitten Shower' to raise donations to help support kittens brought into the shelter. Kitten formula, bottles, heating pads and more are requested to ensure that round-the-clock care will be available for the kittens that are too young to survive on their own. Donations can be dropped off on March 22 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Salt Lake City, located at 2005 S. 1100 East.