Public perception of feral cats

Loyd KAT and Hernandez SM. Public perceptions of domestic cats and preferences for feral cat management in the southeastern United States. Anthrozoos. 2012; 25: 337-51.

Millions of feral cats exist in the United States and their management is the subject of debate. Strategies range from euthanasia of these cats to trap-neuter-release programs which have been implemented in many urban areas of the country. Awareness and understanding of public attitudes and preferences for control of these feral cat populations will aid in development of management strategies. These investigators used an anonymous internet survey of randomly selected residents of Georgia.

From the article: “Results indicate that more residents have positive experiences with feral cats than negative, cat owners have greater knowledge of cats than non-cat owners, and animal welfare or conservation organization membership has a significant effect on attitudes towards cats. A majority of survey respondents agreed that more effective feral cat management is needed yet did not approve of trap-neuter-release (TNR) legislation recently passed in Athens-Clarke County. ….residents’ attitudes were found to be more important than experiences or knowledge in supporting cat management legislation. Cat sanctuaries were found to be the most acceptable option to reduce feral cat populations (56%), followed by TNR (49%) and capturing and euthanizing cats (44%).” [MK]

See also: Peterson MN, Hartis B, Rodriguez S, Green M and Lepczyk CA. Opinions from the front lines of cat colony management conflict. PLoS ONE. 2012; 7: e44616. [free, full text article] 

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Loyd KAT and Hernandez SM. Public perceptions of domestic cats and preferences for feral cat management in the southeastern United States. Anthrozoos. 2012; 25: 337-51.

Millions of feral cats exist in the United States and their management is the subject of debate. Strategies range from euthanasia of these cats to trap-neuter-release programs which have been implemented in many urban areas of the country. Awareness and understanding of public attitudes and preferences for control of these feral cat populations will aid in development of management strategies. These investigators used an anonymous internet survey of randomly selected residents of Georgia.

From the article: “Results indicate that more residents have positive experiences with feral cats than negative, cat owners have greater knowledge of cats than non-cat owners, and animal welfare or conservation organization membership has a significant effect on attitudes towards cats. A majority of survey respondents agreed that more effective feral cat management is needed yet did not approve of trap-neuter-release (TNR) legislation recently passed in Athens-Clarke County. ….residents’ attitudes were found to be more important than experiences or knowledge in supporting cat management legislation. Cat sanctuaries were found to be the most acceptable option to reduce feral cat populations (56%), followed by TNR (49%) and capturing and euthanizing cats (44%).” [MK]

See also: Peterson MN, Hartis B, Rodriguez S, Green M and Lepczyk CA. Opinions from the front lines of cat colony management conflict. PLoS ONE. 2012; 7: e44616. [free, full text article] 

For more information: other blog articles on feral cats

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Control of feral cat colonies

Mendes-de-Almeida F, Remy GL, Gershony LC, Rodrigues DP, Chame M and Labarthe NV. Reduction of feral cat (Felis catus Linnaeus 1758) colony size following hysterectomy of adult female cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 436-40.

The size of urban cat colonies is limited only by the availability of food and shelter. Population growth in urban cat colonies can challenge all known population control programs. In a number of population control situations, the resident population will initially be reduced but other feral cats could join the colony and increase numbers again. The authors tested a new population control method that consisted of performing a hysterectomy on all captured female cats over 6 months of age in a feral cat colony in Rio de Janeiro. They estimated the size of the colony and compared population from year to year with a method of capture-mark-release-recapture. Results indicated that the feral cat population remained constant from 2001 to 2004. Subsequently, there was a gradual decline in the estimated colony population in 2004 (40 cats), in 2006 (26 cats), and 2008 (17 cats) compared with the initial number found before the first intervention in 2001 (59 cats). The authors believe that a biannual program of feline population control by performing hysterectomies on sexually mature females will restrict growth of the free-roaming feral cat colony. This method reduced the number of kittens born in the colony and decreased the immigration of other feral cats into the colony. [VT]

Related articles:
Natoli E, Maragliano L, Cariola G, et al. Management of feral domestic cats in the urban environment of Rome (Italy). Prev Vet Med. 2006; 77: 180-5.

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Mendes-de-Almeida F, Remy GL, Gershony LC, Rodrigues DP, Chame M and Labarthe NV. Reduction of feral cat (Felis catus Linnaeus 1758) colony size following hysterectomy of adult female cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 436-40.

The size of urban cat colonies is limited only by the availability of food and shelter. Population growth in urban cat colonies can challenge all known population control programs. In a number of population control situations, the resident population will initially be reduced but other feral cats could join the colony and increase numbers again. The authors tested a new population control method that consisted of performing a hysterectomy on all captured female cats over 6 months of age in a feral cat colony in Rio de Janeiro. They estimated the size of the colony and compared population from year to year with a method of capture-mark-release-recapture. Results indicated that the feral cat population remained constant from 2001 to 2004. Subsequently, there was a gradual decline in the estimated colony population in 2004 (40 cats), in 2006 (26 cats), and 2008 (17 cats) compared with the initial number found before the first intervention in 2001 (59 cats). The authors believe that a biannual program of feline population control by performing hysterectomies on sexually mature females will restrict growth of the free-roaming feral cat colony. This method reduced the number of kittens born in the colony and decreased the immigration of other feral cats into the colony. [VT]

Related articles:
Natoli E, Maragliano L, Cariola G, et al. Management of feral domestic cats in the urban environment of Rome (Italy). Prev Vet Med. 2006; 77: 180-5.

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More Trap-Neuter-Return

Finkler H, Gunther I, Terkel J: Behavioral differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1141, 2011.

This study examined the behavioral differences between 184 free-roaming cats living in 4 feeding groups in urban Israel during a 1-year observational period. Trap-neuter-return (TNR) procedures were applied to 2 feeding groups. Subsequently, their social and feeding behaviors and frequency of appearance at feeding time were compared to the 2 unneutered cat groups. It has been suggested that these groups are not merely casual aggregations but constitute defined social groups. There was a lower rate of agonistic (aggressive) interactions in the neutered groups than in the unneutered groups. It was also noted that sexually intact male cats participated in more agonistic male-male encounters than did neutered male cats. One group of neutered cats appeared earlier and at a higher frequency of feeding and appearance at the feeding site, compared to unneutered cats. The decreased aggressive behavior observed in neutered males resulted in reduced fighting and vocalization, potentially leading to fewer injuries and reduced transmission of fight-related infectious diseases. When situations for competition for food occurred, the neutered cats in this study were better adapted to the feeding times and thus gained better access to the food than did the unneutered cats. There were almost no agonistic encounters between neutered-neutered male cats noted which may have enhanced the ability of visiting cats to integrate into the feeding groups. [VT]

Related articles:  

Gunther I, Finkler H, Terkel J: Demographic differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1134, 2011.

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Finkler H, Gunther I, Terkel J: Behavioral differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1141, 2011.

This study examined the behavioral differences between 184 free-roaming cats living in 4 feeding groups in urban Israel during a 1-year observational period. Trap-neuter-return (TNR) procedures were applied to 2 feeding groups. Subsequently, their social and feeding behaviors and frequency of appearance at feeding time were compared to the 2 unneutered cat groups. It has been suggested that these groups are not merely casual aggregations but constitute defined social groups. There was a lower rate of agonistic (aggressive) interactions in the neutered groups than in the unneutered groups. It was also noted that sexually intact male cats participated in more agonistic male-male encounters than did neutered male cats. One group of neutered cats appeared earlier and at a higher frequency of feeding and appearance at the feeding site, compared to unneutered cats. The decreased aggressive behavior observed in neutered males resulted in reduced fighting and vocalization, potentially leading to fewer injuries and reduced transmission of fight-related infectious diseases. When situations for competition for food occurred, the neutered cats in this study were better adapted to the feeding times and thus gained better access to the food than did the unneutered cats. There were almost no agonistic encounters between neutered-neutered male cats noted which may have enhanced the ability of visiting cats to integrate into the feeding groups. [VT]

Related articles:  

Gunther I, Finkler H, Terkel J: Demographic differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1134, 2011.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Trap-Neuter-Return

Gunther I, Finkler H, Terkel J: Demographic differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1134, 2011. 

There have been few studies conducted to investigate the effects of neutering on free-roaming cat populations. This study observed over a one year period 184 free-roaming adult cats and 76 kittens living in 4 feeding groups in an urban area of Israel. Cats in two groups were subjected to the trap-neuter-return procedure (TNR) and the other two groups were left untreated. It was noted that the two neutered groups increased in size significantly because of higher immigration (cats moving into the groups) and lower emigration (cats moving away) rates than in the unneutered groups, in which the number decreased. It appears the neutered cats formed a stable feeding core, resulting from the decreased roaming and increased survival rates of cats after neutering. Sexually intact cats also immigrate into the neutered groups more readily. Kitten survival rates were significantly higher in the neutered groups. The study concluded in part that to maintain a high proportion of neutered cats in such cat groups, persistent TNR campaigns are considered necessary. [VT]

Related articles:  

Finkler H, Gunther I, Terkel J: Behavioral differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1141, 2011.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Gunther I, Finkler H, Terkel J: Demographic differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1134, 2011. 

There have been few studies conducted to investigate the effects of neutering on free-roaming cat populations. This study observed over a one year period 184 free-roaming adult cats and 76 kittens living in 4 feeding groups in an urban area of Israel. Cats in two groups were subjected to the trap-neuter-return procedure (TNR) and the other two groups were left untreated. It was noted that the two neutered groups increased in size significantly because of higher immigration (cats moving into the groups) and lower emigration (cats moving away) rates than in the unneutered groups, in which the number decreased. It appears the neutered cats formed a stable feeding core, resulting from the decreased roaming and increased survival rates of cats after neutering. Sexually intact cats also immigrate into the neutered groups more readily. Kitten survival rates were significantly higher in the neutered groups. The study concluded in part that to maintain a high proportion of neutered cats in such cat groups, persistent TNR campaigns are considered necessary. [VT]

Related articles:  

Finkler H, Gunther I, Terkel J: Behavioral differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1141, 2011.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Identifying Feral Cats in Shelters

Slater MR, Miller KA, Weiss E et al: A survey of the methods used in shelter and rescue programs to identify feral and frightened pet cats, J Feline Med Surg 12:592, 2010.

At least 2.5 million cats enter animal shelters nationwide on an annual basis and at least half are free-roaming cats. Free-roaming cats are defined as any cat living part of the time outdoors. Animal welfare organizations must make disposition decisions on intake of millions of cats each year and it can be difficult to differentiate between feral cats and frightened socialized cats.  This study’s objectives were to learn about methods used to evaluate and categorize incoming cats, amount of time cats are held before assessment, and the level of cooperation between welfare agencies to minimize euthanasia of feral cats. The authors find no widely-accepted criteria or information-gathering guidelines among the responses collected. Only 15% of the 555 respondents had written guidelines. Many respondents indicated that time was the most important element of deciding if a cat was feral or not.  Minimal holding times were highly varied, with 1-3 days cited as the most common holding time among all organizations, especially animal control programs. Approximately half the groups transferred feral cats to trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs at least occasionally. The results of the survey highlight the need for more research to develop focused standardized guidelines for determining feral status early in the shelter intake process. [VT]

Related articles:
Wallace JL, Levy JK: Population characteristics of feral cats admitted to seven trap-neuter-return programs in the United States, J Feline Med Surg 8:279, 2006.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Slater MR, Miller KA, Weiss E et al: A survey of the methods used in shelter and rescue programs to identify feral and frightened pet cats, J Feline Med Surg 12:592, 2010.

At least 2.5 million cats enter animal shelters nationwide on an annual basis and at least half are free-roaming cats. Free-roaming cats are defined as any cat living part of the time outdoors. Animal welfare organizations must make disposition decisions on intake of millions of cats each year and it can be difficult to differentiate between feral cats and frightened socialized cats.  This study’s objectives were to learn about methods used to evaluate and categorize incoming cats, amount of time cats are held before assessment, and the level of cooperation between welfare agencies to minimize euthanasia of feral cats. The authors find no widely-accepted criteria or information-gathering guidelines among the responses collected. Only 15% of the 555 respondents had written guidelines. Many respondents indicated that time was the most important element of deciding if a cat was feral or not.  Minimal holding times were highly varied, with 1-3 days cited as the most common holding time among all organizations, especially animal control programs. Approximately half the groups transferred feral cats to trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs at least occasionally. The results of the survey highlight the need for more research to develop focused standardized guidelines for determining feral status early in the shelter intake process. [VT]

Related articles:
Wallace JL, Levy JK: Population characteristics of feral cats admitted to seven trap-neuter-return programs in the United States, J Feline Med Surg 8:279, 2006.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Shelter Cats in Australia

Marston, L.C. and P.C. Bennett, Admissions of Cats to Animal Welfare Shelters in Melbourne, Australia. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2009. 12(3): p. 189 - 213.

Despite a decreasing pet cat population in Australia, feline entries into animal shelters have not decreased. To investigate this, researchers tracked over 15,000 cat submissions in one large shelter in Melbourne over a one-year period in an effort to develop effective strategies to reduce shelter admissions and euthanasia. The majority of cats were strays (81.6%). In addition, the vast majority were not neutered, even among owner-relinquished cats. The sociability of the strays indicated that these animals may have been “semi-owned”. Shelter intake increased over the summer with an influx of kittens. The authors conclude that there is an oversupply of pet-quality cats in the state of Victoria. Strategies aimed at reducing cat admissions to shelters from feral, semi-owned, and casually owned populations are likely to be quite different but equally important. As most cats admitted to shelters are strays, with no identifiable owner, the introduction of mandatory neutering may have a limited effect on this population. [MK]
>> Publisher Abstract

Related articles:
Centonze, L. and J. Levy, Characteristics of free-roaming cats and their caretakers. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2002. 220(11): p. 1627-1633.
>> PubMed Abstract

Patronek, G., et al., Risk factors for relinquishment of cats to an animal shelter. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 1996. 209(3): p. 582-588.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

Marston, L.C. and P.C. Bennett, Admissions of Cats to Animal Welfare Shelters in Melbourne, Australia. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2009. 12(3): p. 189 - 213.

Despite a decreasing pet cat population in Australia, feline entries into animal shelters have not decreased. To investigate this, researchers tracked over 15,000 cat submissions in one large shelter in Melbourne over a one-year period in an effort to develop effective strategies to reduce shelter admissions and euthanasia. The majority of cats were strays (81.6%). In addition, the vast majority were not neutered, even among owner-relinquished cats. The sociability of the strays indicated that these animals may have been “semi-owned”. Shelter intake increased over the summer with an influx of kittens. The authors conclude that there is an oversupply of pet-quality cats in the state of Victoria. Strategies aimed at reducing cat admissions to shelters from feral, semi-owned, and casually owned populations are likely to be quite different but equally important. As most cats admitted to shelters are strays, with no identifiable owner, the introduction of mandatory neutering may have a limited effect on this population. [MK]
>> Publisher Abstract

Related articles:
Centonze, L. and J. Levy, Characteristics of free-roaming cats and their caretakers. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2002. 220(11): p. 1627-1633.
>> PubMed Abstract

Patronek, G., et al., Risk factors for relinquishment of cats to an animal shelter. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 1996. 209(3): p. 582-588.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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