Application of a high-quality, high-volume trap–neuter–return model of community cats in Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Background This study was performed to determine the characteristics of community cats that were admitted to trap–neuter–return(TNR) programs and the feasibility of the high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) model in Seoul, Korea. Methods TNR programs were performed eight times from 2017 to 2018, and a total of 375 community cats from the pilot areas were admitted. The pilot areas were selected regions wherein caregivers voluntarily participated in our TNR program. Each cat was anesthetized, assessed for health status, sterilized, vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (FVR-CP), and rabies, and treated with insecticide after surgery. The time from anesthesia to recovery was evaluated to verify the efficiency of surgical time of the program. The TNR program at a local animal hospital and the program in this study were compared to assess the veterinary treatment administered and the cost for each cat. Results A total of 375 cats were underwent TNR in this study, including 192 (51.2%) intact females, 180 (48%) intact males, and three (0.8%) sterilized cats. Following surgery, 372 cats (99.2%) were returned to their original locations. Three cats (0.8%) died postoperatively. On average, 21.9% of the cats were pregnant during the TNRs, and the highest percentage of cats (63.9%) were pregnant in March. All cats presented to the TNR program were considered healthy enough to be part of the program after examination. For neutering one animal at a time, similar to conventional TNR ($140), it took 53 ± 16 mins for females and 30 ± 9 mins for males from anesthesia to recovery. In contrast, the standardized procedure can neuter multiple cats simultaneously, similar to the conveyor system, at an estimated rate of 6.8 mins per cat ($45 per female cat, $30 per male cat). Conclusions The TNR strategy in Seoul should be implemented by establishing dedicated clinics to concentrate on HQHVSN surgeries of cats. Through this pilot study, we were able to demonstrate that it is possible to effectively apply HQHVSN clinics in Korea. Future studies that perform intensive sterilization in targeted areas are necessary to confirm the efficacy of the TNR strategy.

The detection and phylogenetic characterization of Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and Giardia duodenalis of cats in South Korea

“…Stray cats have an increased risk of transmitting pathogens through contact with humans or infected excrement while roaming the streets (Kwak and Seo, 2020;Mendoza and Otranto, 2023). In shelters, cats raised by humans were included, but kittens and injured cats were also admitted (Cho et al, 2020). At this time, there is a possibility of cross-infection by pathogens in co-breeding environments.…”

Intensive Adoption as a Management Strategy for Unowned, Urban Cats: A Case Study of 25 Years of Trap–Assess–Resolve (TAR) in Auckland, New Zealand

“…Whether this is acceptable will depend on the urgency of resolving problems, such as wildlife impacts or public health risks, which are not mitigated by neutering alone [ 25 , 80 ]. TNR is attractive to many because euthanasia is reduced [ 8 , 43 ], although the prevalence of desexing pregnant cats may be higher than many realise [ 81 ]. This is an ethical concern [ 82 ], alongside the welfare of returned cats irrespective of whether or not there is caregiver support [ 77 , 78 , 83 ].…”

“…Euthanized cats cannot breed, experience poor welfare, threaten wildlife, cause nuisance, or spread disease. From a welfare perspective, prevents the birth of kittens likely to die young [ 44 ], but high numbers of kittens may be aborted when neutering pregnant queens [ 81 ]. May reduce disease transmission if it includes vaccination [ 6 ].…”

Implementation of a targeted trap-neuter-return programme to manage the population of free- roaming cats (Felis silvestris catus) on Flores Island, Azores

“…Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes are being used worldwide for effective cat population management [3,[8][9][10]. These nonlethal free-roaming cat management programmes are recognised as a crucial procedure on animal protection and welfare, as well as leading to public health bene ts [9].…”