Characteristics of free-roaming cats evaluated in a trap-neuter-return program
Summary
Neutering programs for free-roaming cats should include more spays than castrations. Almost half the females trapped in spring are pregnant and cryptorchidism is uncommon. It is feasible to neuter large numbers of free-roaming cats in large-scale clinics.ABSTRACT
Karen Scott, Julie Levy and Cynda Crawford
J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 221:1136-1138
Characteristics of free-roaming cats
evaluated in a trap-neuter-return program
There is controversy regarding appropriate methods of population control for free-roaming cats. Even the definition of different cat populations is not universally accepted and may relate to ownership status, lifestyle and level of socialisation.
This American study evaluated 5,323 free-roaming cats in a trap-neuter-return program. Adult cats represented 85% of the population, with 57% females. The pregnancy rate peaked at 36-47% of all females evaluated in spring. Cryptorchidism was observed in 1.9% of the males and 0.4% of adult females had pyometra. Only 1.9% of the cats were already neutered.
It was found that neutering programs for free-roaming cats should be prepared for more spays than castrations. Cryptorchidism, although uncommon, was encountered on a consistent basis, therefore care is needed to differentiate previous castration from retained testicles. Euthanasia of debilitated cats for humane reasons was rarely necessary and unexpected deaths occurred at a low rate.
It was concluded that it is feasible and safe to neuter significant numbers of free-roaming cats in large-scale clinics.