Trap-Neuter-Return Activities in Urban Stray Cat Colonies in Australia

Abstract

Simple SummaryUrban stray cats in Australia are poorly regarded because of wildlife predation and nuisance behaviors. However, current methods of population control via low level culling are ineffective. Effective control requires culling 30% to 50% of the population every six months, which is prohibitive for municipalities. Overseas, trap, neuter and return is frequently used to control urban cat numbers, and reduce nuisance behaviors, but is considered illegal in many Australian jurisdictions. An anonymous questionnaire was used to gather data on trap, neuter and return of urban stray cats in Australia. Respondents were mostly middle-aged women, and more participated as individuals than with organizations. Colony size decreased from a median of 11.5 cats to 6.5 cats over 2.2 years, through adoptions and desexing a median of 69% of the colony. Cats were fed once or twice daily, and provided with prophylactic health care. Programs were largely funded by private sources, with some funding by animal welfare organizations. We conclude that trap, neuter and return associated with high desexing rates in colonies, and adoption of kittens and friendly adults substantially reduces colony size, and improves the welfare of cats and kittens. This model is cost-effective for municipalities, and should be legalized in Australia. AbstractTrap, neuter and return (TNR) describes a non-lethal approach to the control of urban stray cat populations. Currently, in Australia, lethal control is common, with over 85% of cats entering some municipal pounds euthanized. No research has been published describing TNR activities in Australia. Adults involved with TNR in Australia were invited to participate. Data from 53 respondents were collected via an anonymous online questionnaire. Most respondents were females 36 to 65 years of age, and slightly more participated in TNR as individuals than as part of an organization. Respondents generally self-funded at least some of their TNR activities. The median number of colonies per respondent was 1.5 (range 1 to over 100). Median colony size declined from 11.5 to 6.5 cats under TNR over a median of 2.2 years, and the median percent reduction was 31%; this was achieved by rehoming cats and kittens and reducing reproduction. A median of 69% of cats in each colony were desexed at the time of reporting. Most respondents fed cats once or twice daily, and at least 28% of respondents microchipped cats. Prophylactic healthcare was provided to adult cats and kittens, commonly for intestinal parasites (at least 49%), and fleas (at least 46%); vaccinations were less common. Time-consuming activities for respondents were feeding (median 4 h/week) and locating resources (median 1.1 h/week). These findings indicate that TNR, when involving high desexing rates within colonies, adoption of kittens and friendly adults, and ongoing oversight by volunteer caretakers, can reduce cat numbers over time, improve health and welfare of cats and kittens, and is largely funded by private individuals and organizations.

Global Strategies for Population Management of Domestic Cats (Felis catus): A Systematic Review to Inform Best Practice Management for Remote Indigenous Communities in Australia

“…In Australia, the TNR method is currently being debated [10,[41][42][43] as to whether it should be permitted. TNR is currently used unofficially in Australia, mainly by individuals that take semi-owned stray cats (that they feed) to be neutered but not taking full ownership of the cats that are still left to their own devices, and to roam [10]. This is considered illegal in many Australian jurisdictions as it can be construed as returning a feral, invasive species back into the environment [10].…”

“…TNR is currently used unofficially in Australia, mainly by individuals that take semi-owned stray cats (that they feed) to be neutered but not taking full ownership of the cats that are still left to their own devices, and to roam [10]. This is considered illegal in many Australian jurisdictions as it can be construed as returning a feral, invasive species back into the environment [10]. However, AMRRIC works with companion animals in Indigenous communities, with the majority being owned in the unique style mentioned above.…”

“…The pet cat population in Australia is currently estimated at 3.76 million, occurring in 27% of Australian households [9]. There are also an estimated 1.2-2 million stray (or semi-owned) cats in urban Australia [10]. This equates to an estimated total 7.03-7.83 million cats in Australia, ranging from 6.35 million in dry/drought conditions to 11.32 million after extensive rain.…”

Response to Wolf et al.: Furthering Debate over the Suitability of Trap-Neuter-Return for Stray Cat Management

“…Wolf et al [2] state that TNR is likely to lead to reductions in stray cat populations and that we have ignored important data that support this stance. Wolf et al [2] state that 'Conspicuously, 'Letting the Cat Out of the Bag' fails to mention two Australian TNR studies demonstrating a 30% reduction in cat numbers over 2 years [48], and a 50% reduction over 5 years [51].' Both these studies are cited in our original paper, with data from [51] included in Figure 1 and Table 1 in that paper.…”

“…In Crawford et al [1], we simply calculated how many supported colonies would be needed to include the approximate numbers of stray cats that need to be considered. The estimated numbers of 311 new colonies per year cited in Crawford et al [1] assume that each of the 3640 cats processed annually through the RSPCA shelters identified with behavioral/temperament issues (making their adoption unlikely) is released into a colony of c. 11.5 cats (based on the median colony size reported in [48]) that would then require caregiver support.…”