2024 Undergraduate Research Showcase
A Statistical Analysis Investigating the Phenomenon Known as "Kitten Season" and Its Correlation to Climate
Document Type
Student Presentation
Presentation Date
4-19-2024
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Kristin Snopkowski
Abstract
Open intake animal shelters that take in stray and feral cats have long had to cope with a phenomenon known as “Kitten Season”, a period of time when there is a large uptick of intakes of young kittens aged 0-6 months old. This typically occurs from April to October in the United States.
While evidence in some other species suggests that conceptions could be related to temperature , little research has examined how conception may be related to climate conditions in cats.
To determine whether cat conception is related to climate, I examine data from January 2012 and December 2020 on all cat intakes acquired from the Idaho Humane Society. Conception date is estimated and analyses are conducted to determine whether temperature correlates with daily kitten conceptions. Results from this study will help provide insights into how a changing climate will influence the number of kitten conceptions.
Recommended Citation
Arnold, Bentley and Snopkowski, Kristin, "A Statistical Analysis Investigating the Phenomenon Known as "Kitten Season" and Its Correlation to Climate" (2024). 2024 Undergraduate Research Showcase. 105.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/under_showcase_2024/105