Integrating Trap-Neuter-Return Campaigns Into a Social Framework: Developing Long-Term Positive Behavior Change Toward Unowned Cats in Urban Areas

Abstract

Cat management is often discussed in terms of population reduction, with trap-neuter-return (TNR) campaigns commonly organized to manage unowned urban cat populations. However, long-term effectiveness is only possible if positive neutering practices are continued by local residents. Here we discuss how implementing TNR within a wider framework of social engagement has the potential to tackle cat overpopulation and instill long-term positive behavior change toward them. We demonstrate how community engagement pre-TNR can help establish a baseline of the attitudes, knowledge and behavior concerning cats. Using a case study, we explore whether this information can be linked with positive intended behavior based on intentions to arrange for neutering of unowned cats. Structural equation modeling indicated that negative attitudes toward cats and reduced knowledge around neutering reduced the likelihood of positive intended behavior. This result was underpinned by the indirect effects of perceptions of unowned cats and reduced understanding of their needs. Utilizing these results alongside an understanding of the values and motivation of the community allows for tailored and targeted education and intervention. In turn, this addresses the underlying knowledge gaps and perceptions regarding cat welfare. This framework can help address the challenge of cat management because it: (1) takes an integrative approach to identifying the motivations of communities to take responsibility for unowned cats; (2) changes the structure of the social environment, encouraging positive neutering practices for unowned cats. In turn this improves the impact and longevity of TNR campaigns whilst promoting positive welfare change for unowned and owned cats; and (3) appreciates that opinions are likely to vary hugely between areas, therefore providing an adaptable community level approach.

Contrasting practices and opinions of UK‐based veterinary surgeons around neutering cats at four months old

“… 5 Although there currently is no fact-based estimation of the number of free-roaming unowned cats in the UK, we know that unowned cats are ubiquitous in localised areas. 6 Additionally, the demand for rehoming spaces at cat welfare organisations nationally exceeds availability, with the majority operating at full capacity 7 and many cats on rescue centre waiting lists. 8 This has important implications in terms of both the social and environmental problems often associated with overpopulation, but also importantly, the welfare of the individual cats.…”

Prioritizing cat‐owner behaviors for a campaign to reduce wildlife depredation

“…Research on the challenge cats pose to biodiversity conservation has, until now, largely focused on understanding cat habitat‐use and depredation (e.g., in New Zealand: Aguilar et al 2015; Kikillus et al, ; UK: Hanmer, Thomas, & Fellowes, ; USA: Loyd et al, ; Australia: Lilith, Calver, & Garkaklis, ). Research dedicated to the human dimension of changing cat owner behavior is comparatively uncommon but important (e.g., Gramza, Teel, VandeWoude, & Crooks, ; MacDonald, Milfont, & Gavin, ; McDonald, Farnworth, & Clements, ; McLeod, Hine, & Bengsen, ; McLeod, Hine, Bengsen, & Driver, ; Peterson et al, ; Walker et al, ). Proposed solutions have largely focused on changes to law and governance, gradually imposing greater constraints and obligations on cat ownership (Walker et al, ).…”

Human toxocariasis and neutering cats

“…There is currently no scientific estimate for the numbers of unowned cats in the UK and this is currently being investigated as one of the objectives of Cats Protection’s Cat Watch project 7. However, numbers are only likely to increase if effective neutering of cats from an early age is not employed.…”