Homeless cats present a significant challenge in Europe, where hundreds of thousands are abandoned annually. While some succumb to unfortunate fates, others adapt to a free-roaming lifestyle, giving rise to community cat populations that tend to congregate in urban areas with food and shelter availability. These cats are often cared for by animal welfare organizations, receiving food, shelter, and medical attention. However, conflicts arise due to the presence of free-roaming cats, with some advocating for extreme measures like trapping and killing to control their populations. Nevertheless, such methods are frequently illegal, inhumane, and largely ineffective.

Study design

To assess the impact of cats on a specific natural area, a comprehensive cat census, study of prey species, and investigation into zoonotic or epizootic diseases are crucial. Moreover, veterinary experts assert that the public health risks associated with cats are often exaggerated. This article offers a nuanced perspective on the impact of cats on biodiversity in natural areas, focusing on their role in transmitting zoonotic diseases in European countries, particularly Spain.

Effective cat management programs should prioritize non-lethal methods such as trap-neuter-return (TNR) and adoption. TNR has proven to be the most effective and humane approach for controlling the free-roaming cat population, though its success depends on adoption programs and public education on responsible pet ownership. Spanish veterinarians emphasize the significance of sustainable, science-based solutions like TNR to achieve population control of free-roaming cats. They advocate for raising awareness about sterilization, vaccination, and identification of cats to combat abandonment and reduce the number of free-roaming cats.

The veterinary profession must collaborate with public administrations to implement long-term, sustainable solutions to address cat overpopulation while promoting animal welfare. Enhancing social awareness regarding the importance of sterilization and identification to prevent abandonment and reduce free-roaming cat numbers is also critical.

Despite the challenges posed by homeless cat populations in Spain and Europe, there are reasons for optimism. Animal welfare organizations and veterinary professionals actively work together to develop humane and effective solutions for managing community cats, including TNR and adoption programs. Moreover, these initiatives gain momentum and support from emerging animal welfare laws, like the recent legislation in Spain. Through collective efforts, we can reduce the number of free-roaming cats and enhance their quality of life.

Read more by clicking on this link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10215830/