Evaluation of a trap-neuter-return management program for feral cat colonies: Population dynamics, home ranges, and potentially zoonotic diseases
With this research project I evaluated the effectiveness of trap-neuter-return management for feral cat colonies, and specifically examined the prevalence of selected infectious diseases, population dynamics, and home ranges for feral cats under different management strategies. I used an effective trapping method and captured 98% of the target cats with 8.9 trap nights per cat. […]
Utilization of Matrix Population Models to Assess a 3-Year Single Treatment Nonsurgical Contraception Program Versus Surgical Sterilization in Feral Cat Populations
This study constructed matrix population models to explore feral cat population growth for a hypothetical population (a) in the absence of intervention; (b) with a traditional surgical sterilization-based trap, neuter, and return program; and (c) with a single treatment 3-year nonsurgical contraception program. Model outcomes indicated that cessation of population growth would require surgical sterilization […]
Welfare aspects of identification and marking methods for domestic cats
Uncontrolled reproduction of (feral and semi-feral) domestic cats can seriously impair the welfare of the animals and can also lead to social conflicts in the community. Neutering programmes are internationally accepted as a means to control the reproduction of feral and semi-feral cats that conforms to animal welfare. Such programmes involve catching, neutering and returning […]