Study calls for whole-population approach to cat over-population
Local areas face challenges supporting growing numbers of unowned cats.
Cats Protection has published a first-of-its-kind scientific review, which explores strategies to manage cat over-population in the UK.
The study, produced in collaboration with the University of Exeter and International Cat Care, uses global research to identify strategies for sustainable control.
Statistics from the charity suggest that there are around 10 million owned cats living in the UK. Cats Protection estimates that there are 900,000 free-roaming, unowned cats and 150,000 cats entering shelters each year.
The charity says that the number of unowned cats is particularly concerning for local areas, which face challenges supporting their health and welfare. Similarly, rehoming organisation face strain from the growing number of cats in need.
The findings of their review highlighted the importance of a whole-population approach to the issue of overpopulation.
Researchers are now advocating for a comprehensive strategy, to include owned cats, free-living cats, and cats in rescue shelters. It is believed this will maximise the impact of cat management programmes.
Among the strategy's priorities is to provide support for cat owners, ensuring their cat is neutered from four months of age and microchipped. The charity would also work with owners to reduce the rates of relinquishment.
The strategy recommends that rehoming organisations improve effectiveness by only accepting cats suited to home environments. Unsocialised and unowned cats would be directed to targeted, community-level intervention.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) work is also to become more focused. Researchers say it must be informed by ecological concepts, including immigration and carrying capacity.
This is expected to improve cat welfare, support those caring for cats, and help cats to live healthier lives.
Jenni McDonald, feline epidemiologist at Cats Protection and lead author of the review, said: “This review is a crucial step in building our understanding for the future of cat management in the UK.
“By taking a whole-population approach to management - which considers owned, shelter and unowned cats - we can work towards sustainable management and ultimately better cat welfare.”
The full study has been published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
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