Evaluation of the effect of a long-term trap-neuter-return and adoption program on a free-roaming cat population
Summary
Research showed that a comprehensive long-term program of neutering and adoption or return to the resident colony can result in reduction of free-roaming cat populations in urban areas.ABSTRACT
Julie Levy
J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 222(1):42-46
Evaluation of the effect of a long-term trap-neuter-return and adoption
program on a free-roaming cat population
Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs are intended to halt reproduction without causing harm to the cats. Cats are trapped, neutered, returned to the site of capture and then released. Veterinarians are central to the process, because they perform the surgeries and are frequently asked about health and welfare issues of free-roaming cats.
The research evaluated the affect of a long-term TNR program, with adoption if possible, on the dynamics of a 155-strong free-roaming cat population. At the program's conclusion after 11 years, 47% of cats had been removed for adoption, 15% remained on site, 15% had disappeared, 11% were euthanased, 6% had died and 6% had moved to the surrounding wooded environment. The overall population had decreased by 66%, but additional stray or abandoned cats continued to become resident. New arrivals were neutered or adopted before they could reproduce.
It was concluded that a comprehensive long-term program of neutering and adoption or return to the resident colony can result in reduction of free-roaming cat populations in urban areas. 155 unowned free-roaming cats