Title

Evaluation of the effect of a long-term trap-neuter-return and adoption program on a free-roaming cat population

Authors

Authors

J. K. Levy; D. W. Gale;L. A. Gale

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc.

Keywords

FERAL CATS; FELIS-CATUS; SUCCESS; ISLAND; COLONY; AREA; RANK; ROME; Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

Objective-To evaluate the effect of along-term trap-neuter-return program, with adoption whenever possible, on the dynamics of a free-roaming cat population. Design-Observational epidemiologic study. Animals-155 unowned free-roaming cats. Procedures-Free-roaming cats residing on a university campus were trapped, neutered, and returned to the environment or adopted over an 11-year period. Results-During the observation period (January 1991 to April 2002), 75% of the cats were feral, and 25% were socialized. Kittens comprised 56% of the original population. Male cats were slightly more numerous (55%) than females. At the conclusion of the observation period, 47% of the cats had been removed for adoption, 15% remained on site, 15% had disappeared, 11% were euthanatized, 6% had died, and 6% had moved to the surrounding wooded environment. Trapping began in 1991; however, a complete census of cats was not completed until 1996, at which time 68 cats resided on site. At completion of the study in 2002, the population had decreased by 66%, from 68 to 23 cats (of which 22 were feral). No kittens were observed on site after 1995, but additional stray or abandoned cats continued to become resident. New arrivals were neutered or adopted before they could reproduce. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-A comprehensive long-term program of neutering followed by adoption or return to the resident colony can result in reduction of free-roaming cat populations in urban areas.

Journal Title

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Volume

222

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2003

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

42

Last Page

46

WOS Identifier

WOS:000180113200020

ISSN

0003-1488

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