Vet Organizations
Endorse TNR

Two prominent veterinarian associations have endorsed the use of trap, neuter, and return as an acceptable way to combat the problem of feral cats.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recently announced its concurrence with a position statement released by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). AAHA President Dennis Feinberg says he approves the comprehensive approach taken by the AAFP toward feral cats.

"The veterinary profession can play an important role in preventing abandonment and providing education to clients about responsible cat ownership and feral cat issues," says Feinberg, whose organization focuses on companion animal care and has more than 32,000 members who hold positions in veterinary clinics.

The AAFP statement takes a broad view of the issue of feral and free-roaming abandoned cats, estimating the population of these cats to be about 73 million, describing them as the primary source of cat overpopulation, and discussing the problems involved with the feral population.

The statement estimates that between 7 and 22 percent of U.S. households feed unowned cats, and that few of these cats are spayed or neutered. It recognizes the importance of the veterinary profession in preventing abandonment of cats and educating the public about the problem, and acknowledges the need to find a humane solution.

"Public policies for addressing the free-roaming abandoned and feral cat situation should take into account the lack of public awareness about the seriousness of the problem, the bonding of caretakers to unowned cats, and the growing societal opposition to euthanasia," the statement says.

The AAFP recommends increased public education campaigns to prevent abandonment, encourage spaying and neutering, and to convince people to keep their cats indoors.

The statement also endorses the humane capture of feral cats, and when adoption is not possible, their vaccination, sterilization, and release to appropriately managed cat colonies.

"The goal of colony management should be the eventual reduction of the colony through attrition; managed colonies are an interim solution to the problem of free-roaming abandoned and feral cats," the statement says.

According to the AAFP guidelines, managed colonies should be located in inconspicuous areas where the cats don't pose a threat to wildlife, and a monitoring system should be in place for the colony members.

It concludes that a permanent solution to the problem of feral cats will be achievable with increased governmental funding, a massive public education campaign, cooperation between veterinarians, humane and wildlife groups and public health organizations, and a focus on the development of a non-surgical cat contraceptive.