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

Abstract

Pet domestic cat (Felis catus) populations are increasing all around the world, resulting in an increase in contact with humans and wildlife, potentially spreading zoonotic diseases and predating on wildlife. With the recently identified rise in cat populations in remote Indigenous communities in Australia, culturally appropriate cat population management strategies are required. A systematic review process was conducted to review the current global cat population management practices that are suitable for owned, free-roaming cat populations in these communities. Eight articles on in-situ field cat populations and five studies simulating computer modelled cat populations reported results of 66 population management interventions. Surgical Sterilisation (SS) was used in all socialised owned cat articles. The trap–neuter–release (TNR) method was used most frequently on unsocialised cats and gained the best results when the trap–remove (TR) method was used concurrently to adopt out unwanted social cats and euthanise ill or injured cats. The results of this review suggest that long-term TNR/SS programs supplemented with TR provide the current most ethically sound best practice, humane method of managing cat populations in remote Australian Indigenous communities. It is also recognised that no one plan will fit all, and that further research on the micro-level techniques used to deploy both TNR and TR needs to occur, and that culturally appropriate community consultation during all processes is vital in achieving a sustainable management program.

Causal Loop Analysis Can Identify Solutions to Complex Dog Management Problems in Remote Australian Aboriginal Communities

“…A similar estimation of 343 dogs was reported in Wurrumiyanga in 2017 and an increase in domestic cat ownership was also noted [29]. Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) is a non-profit charity established to conduct companion animal health programs in rAcs in Australia [40,41]. AMRRIC assist in conducting these dog health programs in Wurrumiyanga by recruiting volunteers and providing resources when needed and available, including parasitic medications and educational resources and staff.…”

Frame Analysis: An Inclusive Stakeholder Analysis Tool for Companion Animal Management in Remote Aboriginal Communities

“…In this situation, multi-stakeholder participation, knowledge cultures and Indigenous resource management are equally relevant. High and growing numbers of dogs and cats in rAcs live in close proximity to humans [27][28][29], generating animal health problems, risks to human health [30][31][32][33], wildlife [34][35][36][37], and a potential reservoir for rabies should the disease become established in Australia [38]. The cultural connections between Australian Aboriginals and dogs [39,40] intensifies the wickedness of this issue.…”

“…This research focuses on the community of Wurrumiyanga and their companion animals. Dogs, and more recently cats in rAcs, are valued companions with a unique style of ownership [29]. They can be "owned" not only by individuals but households and larger family groups, with the animal having free range to roam between all family households.…”

“…Differing from feral dogs and cats that live outside the town borders with no or indirect (rubbish tip) contact with humans. Dogs are considered as family members who can choose their own actions, rather than owned pets [29,43]. There are also strong cultural connections to dogs in Tiwi culture, with dogs playing roles in ceremony and connections to ancestors through naming.…”

“…With no Veterinary service on the Islands, it is difficult for the locals to efficiently take care of their animals. Veterinary services to the Tiwi islands are supported by AMRRIC (Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities), a not-for-profit charity established to facilitate companion animal health programs in rAcs in Australia [29,44]. These programs include surgical desexing, medication for parasites and humane euthanasia on request delivered alongside educational resources.…”