Impact d’un programme de stérilisation sur la taille des colonies de chats sans propriétaire en milieu rural
Several methods have been implemented in an effort to reduce feline overpopulation, such as trap-neuter and release programs (TNR). Lots of human and financial resources are put in TNR, although little data has been published on its real impact. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a TNR program on the size of free-roaming rural cat colonies. This randomized controlled study included 18 cat colonies around barns and stables that were randomly assigned to TNR group (10 colonies of 7 to 27 cats; 14.3 cats in average) , and to Control group (8 colonies of 7 to 26 cats; 14.5 cats in average). A TNR program was applied once to TNR group at the beginning of the study. Number of cats and kittens in each colony were calculated from the images obtained by camera-trapping at 3 time points: baseline (T0), 7.5 months (T7) and 12 months (T12). When taking into account adults only, a significant growth difference in the number of cats between TNR group and Control group was observed at T7 (p=0.03). There was no significant impact of the TNR program on the growth when comparing all individuals (kittens and adults), but a trend was noted at T7 (p=0.06). There was no difference in the number of kittens at T7 (p=0.49) nor at T12 (p=0.36). There was a trend towards more migration in Control group at T12 (p=0.095). TNR program, as applied here, has a low and temporary impact on colony size in rural cat colonies.
Feral cats Sterilization programs Trap-neuter and release program Population control Surpopulation Chats errants