Implementation of a feral cat management program on a university campus: population characteristics, outcomes, and educational impact

Abstract

A trap-test-vaccinate-alter-return-monitor (TTVARM) program was implemented on the Texas A&M University campus in August 1998 to manage the feral cat population. Results of the program were summarized for the period August 1998 - April 2000. Cats were humanely trapped once a month. In surgery laboratories, senior veterinary students examined the cats, tested them for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus infections, vaccinated, and surgically neutered the cats. Cats testing positive for either disease were euthanized. Cats were returned to their capture sites and maintained in managed colonies, in which volunteers provided food and observed the cats. Captured tame cats and kittens were placed for adoption. A total of 150 cats were captured. The population had approximately a 1:1 male to female ratio. The majority of cats were young adults. The proportion of kittens caught was significantly less in year 2 than in year 1. The prevalence found for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus infections was 5.4% and 6.8%, respectively. The number of tame cats trapped was significantly greater in year 2 than in year 1. In the surgery laboratories, 112 cats were neutered. Ninety-nine cats were returned to campus following surgery. Approximately one-third of the cats due for their annual vaccinations were recaptured and revaccinated. Twenty-seven kittens and tame adults were placed for adoption. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to the TAMU veterinary class of 1999 to evaluate their attitudes regarding feral cat issues and their response to participation in the feral cat surgery laboratories. Sixty percent of the students responded that they had participated in the laboratories. Of these, a majority found them beneficial. With regard to the best method for managing feral cats, 77% chose TTVAR. Eighty-three percent of the students would be willing to work on feral cats in practice, and a majority of these would be willing to participate in and promote the development of TTVAR programs. Sixty-five percent of the students believed that feral cats posed some risk to public health. Significantly more students had the view that feral cats definitely have an impact on wildlife as compared to free-roaming, owned cats.