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High-intensity TNR ‘most effective way’ to stabilise feral cat populations
TNR is the method of trapping feral cats and kittens humanely so they can be neutered or spayed by a veterinary surgeon.

Study shares new insights into humane method of trapping free-roaming cats

Stray cat populations managed by a high-intensity Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme experience more than 30 times fewer deaths compared to when taking no action, according to new research.

TNR is the method of trapping feral cats and kittens humanely so they can be neutered or spayed by a veterinary surgeon. Most TNR programmes also vaccinate, feed and provide care for free-roaming cats, which are then returned to their territories to live out the rest of their lives.

The study, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, was led by the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) - an association of experts in veterinary medicine, cat welfare and wildlife conservation.

Using sophisticated modelling software, the team simulated the impacts and associated costs of seven different management strategies for reducing cat populations. They found that, over a 10-year-period, TNR can effectively reduce preventable deaths, while drastically reducing the number of cats and kittens.

Co-author Margaret Slater, senior director of research at the ASPCA, said: “Sadly, many communities still opt to do nothing to control populations of community cats or use outdated, ineffective methods - such as sporadic trapping and removal. This research confirms that high-intensity TNR is the most effective, humane way to stabilise a population of community cats and, over time, reduce them.”

Wildlife biologist Dr John books who is also on ACC&D’s board of directors, added: “The effectiveness of TNR programs often is debated but less commonly is defined well. TNR groups most often track numbers of sterilisations performed and cats entering or euthanised in shelters as measures of effectiveness.

“These metrics are important, but they do not measure reduction in numbers of outdoor cats or illustrate how management translates into “lives saved” in an outdoor cat population”.

ACC&D is a not-for-profit organisation that works to advance new methods of non-surgical birth control. Its members include International Cat Care, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Humane Society of the United States.

It is hoped the results of the study will lead to alternatives for the treatment of domestic cats and dogs, in addition to feral communities. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.