Implementation of a targeted trap-neuter-return programme to manage the population of free- roaming cats (Felis silvestris catus) on Flores Island, Azores

Implementation of a targeted trap-neuter-return programme to manage the population of free- roaming cats (Felis silvestris catus) on Flores Island, Azores | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Implementation of a targeted trap-neuter-return programme to manage the population of free- roaming cats (Felis silvestris catus) on Flores Island, Azores Raquel Santos, Ana Rois This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4409803/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background The negative impact posed by the uncontrolled growth of free-roaming cat populations, namely spread of diseases, public nuisance, and predation of wildlife, has prompted the development of ethical solutions to control cat populations. Science-based solutions such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes are the most efficient way to humanely manage free-roaming cats populations. While Portugal has sporadically employed TNR initiatives, no formal evaluations of its effectiveness were performed. We report the implementation of a concerted and targeted TNR initiative to control free-roaming cats population. This large-scale study took place on Flores Island, Azores, where a survey was conducted across its eleven parishes to assess cat colonies location and population density. Free-roaming cats were captured and transported to the official animal collection center of Lajes das Flores, where they were weighted and screened for any potential contraindication surgery. After induction of anaesthesia, the veterinary surgeons assessed cats eligibility through clinical examination. Animal data was collected to record gender, weight, age, body condition score, presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites, respiratory and intestinal signs, skin, mouth and ocular lesions, pregnancy and lactation status and general health status. Results During this study, 751 targeted free-roaming cats were trapped, desexed and then returned to their original colonies. Previous to our intervention, Flores Island housed a population of approximately 981 free-roaming cats, with only 2.34% (23/981) being desexed. Following the extensive targeted TNR activities, the cat population decreased slightly to 961 individuals with 80.54% (774/961) having undergone spaying or neutering procedures. This achievement surpassed the threshold for successful TNR initiatives. Conclusions Our findings underscore the efficacy of targeted TNR programmes as a practical and valuable ethical solution to manage cat population growth. These results provide valuable insights and guidance for the large-scale implementation of similar initiatives on other regions grappling with free-roaming cat populations. Cat Welfare Community Cats Desexing Early Age Desexing Free-Roaming Cats Island Biodiversity Population Control Sustainability Trap-Neuter-Return Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Background The volcanic Flores Island, located in the Azores archipelago, Portugal, was designated Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2009 [ 1 ]. Flores and Corvo Islands compose the western group of the Azores archipelago, having the highest number of endemic species per unit area of the archipelago, reflecting its magnificent biodiversity and unadulterated vegetation areas. Flores coastal area is the breeding place for many marine bird species, especially for Sterna dougallii , which has approximately 40% of its population nesting there [ 2 ]. Free-roaming cats, regardless of their origin (owned or unowned), are recognised as a potential threat to native wildlife in many countries [ 3 – 6 ]. Frequently described as invasive alien species, Felis silvestris catus (domestic cats) have been introduced in islands all over the world, resulting, according to some researchers, in a serious impact on native species, due to predation and hybridization [ 4 , 6 ]. Although preserving biodiversity is a major priority, especially in insular ecosystems, free-roaming cats are also associated with other problematic situations, for instance, the negative impact on public health [ 4 , 6 , 7 ]. Due to their large population in close contact with humans and their capacity to be carriers or hosts of zoonotic pathogens, free-roaming cats can play an important role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases [ 7 ]. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes are being used worldwide for effective cat population management [ 3 , 8 – 10 ]. These nonlethal free-roaming cat management programmes are recognised as a crucial procedure on animal protection and welfare, as well as leading to public health benefits [ 9 ]. The TNR procedure includes, at the time of desexing, health check, parasite control, microchipping and ear-tipping for later identification. Many published studies from all over the world have demonstrated that TNR can be successful and ethical, preventing vacuum effects, especially in controlled areas, and reducing the cat population over time [ 8 , 9 , 11 , 12 ]. There is very sparse data regarding desexing numbers and free-roaming cats' impact on Flores Island, as well as in all the archipelago, and to the best of our knowledge until 2023 (present study) no TNR programme was implemented in this region. Flores cats are a mixture of owned (although not identified) and unowned populations. Far from being feral populations, they are protected by caretakers which have a very close relationship with them. Due to the exponential growth of free-roaming cats on the island and considering that animal control is a government responsibility, the two municipalities, Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores, realised the need to implement a massive TNR programme. This study aims to report the first targeted TNR intervention implemented on Flores Island. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious, in terms of geographical coverage and number of desexed animals, concerted TNR programme ever conducted in Portugal. Flores Island has a surface area of 141.4 km 2 [ 13 ] and a resident population of 3 497 inhabitants (2021 census) [ 14 ]. The municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores, located in the north, has four parishes: Caveira, Cedros, Ponta Delgada and Santa Cruz das Flores. The municipality of Lajes das Flores, located in the south, has seven parishes: Fajã Grande, Fajãzinha, Fazenda, Lajedo, Lajes das Flores, Lomba and Mosteiro. All the eleven parishes of Flores Island were enrolled in this study, whose main goal was to promote spay/neuter surgeries in more than 75% of their free-roaming cats population, that way reaching the threshold for successful TNR interventions [ 12 , 15 ]. The Flores Island project resulted from a concerted team work involving the municipalities of Lajes das Flores [ 16 ] and Santa Cruz das Flores [ 17 ], which promoted and sponsored the activities and collaborated in the fieldwork; Veterinários sem Fronteiras – Portugal [ 18 ] and Associação Bons Amigos Internacional [ 19 ], which organised the activities and performed all the medical procedures and Associação Animais de Rua [ 20 ], which organised and performed the trapping and releasing actions in close collaboration with local caretakers. We truly believe that evaluation of data collected during such an ambitious project will provide a valuable insight on how to plan and implement a high volume high quality targeted TNR programme to effectively control free-roaming cat population growth and mitigate the negative impacts of their presence. Results Population survey The free-roaming cats population survey conducted in this study estimated that, prior to this project, Flores Island was the home of 981 free-roaming cats and only 23 were desexed (22 inhabiting Lajes das Flores and 1 inhabiting Santa Cruz das Flores). Information gathered through collaborative efforts between municipalities and local caretakers and presented in Fig. 1 indicates that Ponta Delgada was home to approximately 61 cats spread across 20 colonies, Cedros had 33 cats distributed in 9 colonies, Santa Cruz das Flores had 331 cats living in 84 colonies, Caveira had 23 cats distributed in 3 colonies, Fajã Grande had 83 cats spread across 10 colonies, Fajãzinha had 30 cats distributed in 10 colonies, Mosteiro had 14 cats living in 2 colonies, Lajedo had 68 cats distributed in 16 colonies, Lajes das Flores had 190 cats spread across 33 colonies, Fazenda had 72 cats distributed in 14 colonies and Lomba had 76 cats living in 17 colonies. Health check and animal data collection During the TNR initiative a total of 772 free-roaming cats were captured and transported to the Official Animal Collection Center (OACC) of Lajes das Flores. One cat presented respiratory distress incompatible with a safe surgical intervention and stayed in OACC for ongoing treatment, 20 cats were too sick or injured and did not meet the criteria for treatment and for that reason were humanely euthanized. That left 751 cats that were considered healthy and suitable for surgery. For each parish, number of intervened cats and animal data collected, namely gender, age, reproductive status, presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites, body condition score, general health status and medical procedures performed, are presented in Fig. 2 , as well as percentage of desexed cats after this TNR programme. Results from the animal data collected from the 772 captured cats indicate that 66.71% were adults (515/772), 27.98% were juveniles (216/772) and only 5.3% were seniors (41/772). Regarding gender, males were 44.56% (344/772) and females were 55.44% (428/772), of which 74 were lactating and 51 were pregnant. Ectoparasites, namely fleas, were visually detected in the skin and fur of 33.55% (259/772) of cats and endoparasites were macroscopically observed in feaces of only 2.98% (23/772) of cats. Three quarters of cats (579/772) presented a body condition score of 3, 1.55% (12/772) were emaciated presenting a body condition score of 1, 13.86% (107/772) were thin presenting a body condition score of 2 and 9.59% (74/772) were fat presenting a body condition score of 4. The majority, 79.79% (616/772), of captured cats were healthy and 20.21% (156/772) were classified as unhealthy due to presenting gingivitis, stomatitis, pale mucous membranes, dehydration, skin injuries, eye infection or other clinical abnormality. Twenty cats, 2.59%, four females and sixteen males, of which two were juveniles, twelve were adults and six were seniors, were too sick or injured and were humanely euthanised. One cat presented with respiratory distress was not suited for surgery and stayed in OACC facilities for treatment. Spay and neuter surgery From the 772 free-roaming cats captured and transported to OACC facilities, only 751 were included in the TNR activities and underwent spay or neuter surgery. No cats died during surgery and no postoperative surgical wound complications were observed. Orchiectomy (neutering) was performed in 42.49% (328/772) of captured cats and ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy (spaying) was performed through left lateral flank laparotomy in 27.33% (211/772) of cats and through ventral midline laparotomy in the remaining 27.46% (212/772). As illustrated in Fig. 2 , in Ponta Delgada 55 cats (34 males and 21 females) were captured, 1 was euthanized and 54 were desexed; in Cedros 32 cats (13 males and 19 females) were captured, 1 was euthanized and 31 were desexed; in Santa Cruz das Flores 281 cats (100 males and 181 females) were captured, 7 were euthanized, 1 was unhealthy and stayed in OACC for ongoing treatment and 273 were desexed; in Caveira 15 cats (9 males and 6 females) were captured, 1 was euthanized and 14 were desexed; in Fajã Grande 70 cats (24 males and 46 females) were captured, 3 were euthanized and 67 were desexed; in Fajãzinha 30 cats (16 males and 14 females) were captured, 2 were euthanized and 28 were desexed; in Mosteiro 14 cats (9 males and 5 females) were captured and desexed; in Lajedo 54 cats (33 males and 21 females) were captured and desexed; in Lajes das Flores 112 cats (57 males and 55 females) were captured, 3 were euthanized and 109 were desexed; in Fazenda 45 cats (17 males and 28 females) were captured and desexed; in Lomba 64 cats (32 males and 32 females) were captured, 1 was euthanized and 63 were desexed. Before this TNR intervention, Flores Island was the home of 981 free-roaming cats and only 2.34% (23/981) were desexed (Fig. 1 ). After this intensive and concerted TNR programme, 961 free-roaming cats inhabited the eleven parishes of the island and 80.54% (774/961) were desexed (Fig. 2 ). Discussion The issue of free-roaming cats is significant across Europe, where hundreds of thousands are abandoned annually. While some perish, others adjust to wandering freely and form communities of cats that often gather in clusters. These feline groups are commonly seen in urban areas where they can find sustenance and refuge [ 21 – 23 ]. Flores Island, in the Azores archipelago, is no exception. The abundant food resources, particularly in urban settings, the protection by local caretakers and the virtual absence of predators resulted in an exponential growth of free-roaming cats population in the Island. Frequent complaints associated with free-roaming cats uncontrolled expansion include the welfare of the cats themselves, public health and zoonotic diseases [ 7 ], spread of diseases to other species or pet cats, public nuisance, and predation of wildlife [ 12 , 24 ]. Given that animal control is a government responsibility, the municipalities of Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores recognized the necessity for effective and humane methods to manage free-roaming cats population on Flores Island. When comparing TNR with lethal cat control programmes, it's crucial to recognize that a lethal control approach would necessitate the elimination of a substantial portion of the cat population and must be sustained over a long period of time [ 15 , 24 , 25 ]. Implementing trapping and killing programmes is far from straightforward and requires significant resource investments to have any chance of success. This challenge is evident in efforts to eradicate cats, even from geographically isolated islands, which face fewer difficulties compared to programmes in urban and non-isolated areas [ 26 ]. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that suboptimal rates of cat removal might paradoxically result in an increase in cat numbers [ 27 ]. Sustainable, ethical and science-based solutions such as TNR initiatives are the most efficient way to humanely manage free-roaming cat populations without harmful effects on their welfare [ 24 ]. This study represents the first targeted TNR programme ever implemented on Flores Island, resulting from a concerted team work effort involving two municipalities, local caretakers, veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and trained volunteers. Previous studies indicate that controlling cat populations through TNR requires consistent and intensive efforts conducted in contiguous geographic areas to effectively reduce population numbers [ 12 ]. To make the investment worthwhile and to achieve a decrease in cat population, a specific and appropriate area must be targeted and a neutering/spaying rate > 70–75% is recommended. Moreover, the TNR activities must be implemented repeatedly and consistently [ 12 , 15 ]. The free-roaming cats population survey conducted on Flores Islands reported an estimated count of 981 cats residing in the eleven parishes, of which only 2.34% (23/981) were previously desexed. During the trapping activities, 772 targeted cats were captured and transported to OACC facilities, twenty cats were too sick or injured and did not meet the criteria for treatment, thus being humanely euthanised and one cat was presenting respiratory distress and for that reason did not undergo surgery and was treated accordingly. Two thirds (66.71%) of captured cats were adults, almost 80% were healthy (79.79%) and three quarters (75.0%) presented a body condition score of 3. Only 5.3% were seniors and approximately one quarter (27.98%) were juveniles. Amongst the females, 11.91% were pregnant and 17.29% were lactating. Moreover, endoparasites were rarely observed in faeces (2.98%) and fleas were detected in one third (33.55%) of cats. A possible explanation for the high proportion of cats presenting good health statuses and the low occurrence of severe injuries among Flores Island free-roaming cats can be found in the strong bond between these cats and their caretakers. During this TNR intervention the local population expressed concern for the well-being and health of intervened cats and some local caretakers volunteered to monitor the animals in the days following surgery. All surgically intervened cats were left ear-tipped. Ear-tipping serves as an universal and unmistakable indicator of a cat that has undergone desexing surgery. It involves the removal of one centimetre from the tip of left ear through a straight line incision while cats are anesthetised. Ear-tips are a visible mark that enables caretakers, trappers and animal control personnel to promptly identify a cat as spayed or neutered, even from a distance. During this intensive TNR programme, 51 pregnant cats were spayed. Due to the complete removal of a pregnant cat's uterus without dissection, the foetus would not undergo consciousness regardless of the pregnancy stage. Consequently, it would die without experiencing any pain [ 28 , 29 ]. Moreover, studies suggest that even when food and water is provided, about 75% of free-roaming kittens die or disappear within 6 months after birth, in urban areas [ 30 ]. For that reason, we recommend the spaying of pregnant cats as an ethical methodology to improve the welfare of free-roaming cats. Another common misconception often observed is the belief that early age neutering/spaying poses a risk to small juvenile cats. Some caretakers may argue that small cats could face harassment from adult cats and might need a longer recovery period post-surgery. However, evidence shows that surgical procedures for young adult cats are simpler, quicker, and safer compared to those for older cats [ 31 – 33 ]. Moreover, the likelihood of diseases such as mammary hyperplasia, ovarian cysts, and increased friability and vascularity of the uterus, is lower in younger female cats than in older ones, and their postoperative recovery is faster [ 34 ]. Female cats typically enter their first oestrous cycle at 6 months of age, but this can be accelerated by exposure to male cats in the vicinity and under stable nutritional conditions and habitat. If suitable physical and nutritional circumstances are present, females can conceive when they reach a weight of approximately 2 kg [ 35 ]. If female cats are released without undergoing spaying surgery, they are likely to become pregnant and compensate for the lack of breeding, particularly in areas where a TNR programme is implemented [ 36 ]. For all the above mentioned reasons we strongly recommend to include paediatric desexing in TNR activities. Several studies suggest that TNR programmes improve the welfare of free-roaming cats, as observed by the lower proportion of cats with poor health statuses, namely emaciation, skin lesions and severe disabilities or injuries in areas where TNR activities were implemented [ 9 , 37 ]. The neutering/spaying positive impact in the health of cats can be due to both direct effects on desexed cats and indirect influence on the general cat population (intact and desexed cats). Neutering may reduce competitive behaviours among neutered cats, allowing other cats greater access to essential resources, such as food and shelter. Additionally, while a higher prevalence of permanent disability was observed among neutered/spayed free-roaming cats, this doesn't necessarily imply a heightened risk of injury. Instead, it may reflect their potentially longer lifespan [ 8 , 37 ]. By the end of our study, an estimated count of 961 cats roamed free on Flores Island, of which 80.54% (774/961) were neutered/spayed. Previous investigations, including analyses using matrix population models, suggest that effective control of cat populations can be achieved through annual desexing of > 75% of the fertile population [ 12 , 15 ]. Succeeding in this objective requires an initial assessment with an extensive and comprehensive survey, a consistent implementation of coordinated TNR programmes and frequent monitoring and evaluation. These initiatives demand dedicated resources, staffing, and are intended as long-term strategies. A TNR initiative implemented inadequately in an inappropriate area is prone to being a misuse of resources and may fail to achieve its goals. High volume, high quality, targeted TNR interventions, as the one here reported, are more effective than sporadic TNR in reducing cat population and have a stronger impact in cat welfare over time [ 38 , 39 ]. The Flores Island TNR project demonstrated that through a collaborative process between municipalities, local caretakers and animal welfare organisations it is possible to effectively implement a mass desexing programme for free-roaming cats with great population control results. We are confident that the data presented here will provide guidance for future design and implementation of TNR programmes in large targeted areas. Conclusion The results from this study demonstrate the feasibility of a targeted TNR programme for controlling the free-roaming cats population of Flores Island. Engagement from local caretakers, commitment from municipalities’ personnel and joint efforts from animal welfare organisations resulted in a massive and successful neutering/spaying action involving 772 free-roaming cats. Further assessment of such programmes are important tools for developing better strategies to control the population of free-roaming cats, particularly in islands, but also in non-isolated areas. By analysing the data presented here and conducting additional evaluations of these programmes, we can gain valuable insights for refining strategies to manage free-roaming cat populations. This is especially crucial in island environments, where conservation efforts often hinge on preserving native biodiversity. However, these insights are equally applicable on non-isolated areas, where the challenges of cat overpopulation and its impacts on wildlife, public health, and animal welfare are also significant concerns. Through continued research and evaluation, we can work towards more effective and humane solutions to address the complex dynamics of free-roaming cat populations across various landscapes. Methods Free-roaming cats population survey During the period spanning from March to April 2023, and again from July to August 2023, the Flores Island municipalities Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores undertook an extensive survey to assess free-roaming cat population size and colonies location across the island. Previously desexed animals were identified. Local caretakers from the eleven parishes were personally contacted to collaborate in the survey aiming to cover all the island terrestrial territory. Free-roaming cats not previously desexed inhabiting Flores Island were targeted to be included in the TNR activities. Trapping and returning After analysis of the free-roaming cats population survey, a team from Animais de Rua confirmed, in loco , each colony location and population size. From April 29th to May 9th 2023, and from September 9th to September 16th 2023, the targeted animals surveyed for intervention were captured by Animais de Rua, in close collaboration with local caretakers. Manual and automatic cat cage traps were set in the field and free-roaming cats were captured according to the best practices [ 20 ] and transported to the OACC. Any companion cats already microchipped and desexed that were unintentionally trapped were released immediately. Also, trapped kittens that were estimated to be 12 weeks of age or less were not eligible for surgery, therefore, were immediately released. After fully recovered from the intervention, cats were released back to their original colony where local caretakers were asked to provide ongoing care on recently desexed cats. Health check and animal data collection In the OACC facilities cats were weighted and screened for any potential contraindication for anaesthesia. After induction of anaesthesia and before surgery, the veterinary surgeons assessed cats eligibility through clinical examination. Animal data was collected to record gender, weight, age, body condition score, presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites, respiratory and intestinal signs, skin, mouth and ocular lesions, pregnancy and lactation status and general health status. For the purpose of this study, age was estimated by animal size and teeth observation. A juvenile was defined as a cat with an estimated age of 12 months or less, an adult cat was defined as one with an estimated age greater than 12 months and a senior cat was defined as one with an estimated age greater than six years. Body condition scoring was evaluated on a scale of 1 = emaciation to 5 = obesity. Cats with bad general health status, categorised as unhealthy cats, were defined as cats with the presence of one or more of the following clinical abnormalities: lymph node enlargement, pale or icteric mucous membranes, stomatitis or signs of ocular, respiratory, digestive and reproductive infections. Ectoparasites and endoparasites were detected macroscopically through direct examination of skin and fur and through visual examination of faeces, respectively. Cats presenting health issues incompatible with a safe surgical intervention were treated and excluded from the TNR programme. Cats that were sick or injured and did not meet the criteria for treatment were euthanized on humane grounds. Spay and neuter surgery Pre-medication, induction and maintenance of anaesthesia were accomplished by a single injectable combination of drugs, by the intramuscular route. The anaesthetic protocol was based on the QUAD protocol and included a combination of 5 mg/kg ketamine, 0.05 mg/kg medetomidine, 0.2 mg/kg methadone and 0.2 mg/kg midazolam. If needed intraoperatively, additional 0.25 mg/kg alfaxalone intravenous administration was provided. Male cats also received an intratesticular injection of 2 mg/kg lidocaine. In addition to the multimodal protocol, immediately after induction, cats received a subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam and female cats also received a subcutaneous administration of 0.4 mg/kg long-acting amoxicillin. All surgically intervened cats were left ear-tipped and then subjected to orchiectomy (neutering) or ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy (spaying). Pregnant, emaciated or dehydrated cats received intravenous normal-saline fluid therapy during desexing surgery. Ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy was performed through left lateral flank laparotomy in lactating cats and through ventral midline laparotomy in cats with suspected pregnancy or pyometra. After surgery and while under anaesthesia, cats were microchipped and treated with endoparasiticides via a single subcutaneous administration of ivermectine 0.4 mg/kg, and with ectoparasiticides via a spot on administration of emodepside plus praziquantel 3 + 12 mg/kg. All medical procedures were performed according to the best practices, under strict sterile conditions and with cats under general anaesthesia, by licensed veterinary surgeons from Veterinários sem Fronteiras – Portugal and Associação Bons Amigos Internacional, with experience in soft tissue surgeries. After desexing, cats stayed in the OACC facilities for 24–48 hours under surveillance, except for lactating females which were contained for only 6 hours after surgery. Desexed cats were checked for food intake, urination and defecation during the holding period before returning to their colonies. Sample collection While cats were under anaesthesia, biological samples were collected from 50 cats. Faecal samples were collected in order to study cats' diet (data not shown). Blood and skin samples were collected and preserved for future genetic and epidemiologic studies. Data analysis For each parish, the location of free-roaming cats colonies was recorded using Google Maps software. Flores Island spatial patterns maps, including colonies’ location, estimated population density and number of captured cats, were generated using Adobe Ilustrator software. Descriptive statistics were performed on animal data collected during the TNR programme, namely cats age, gender – including pregnancy and lactation statuses if female, body condition score, presence or absence of ectoparasites and endoparasites, general health statuses and medical interventions performed. Abbreviations TNR Trap-Neuter-Return OACC Official Animal Collection Center Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate This study was approved by the Committee of Ethics and Animal Welfare (CEBEA) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University (ethical approval code 62024). Consent for publication Not applicable. Availability of data and materials The datasets used and analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Funding This research was funded by the municipalities of Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores, Azores, Portugal. The funding sponsors, the municipalities of Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores, provided general guidance and contributed for the free-roaming cats population survey. The funders had no role in the design of the TNR intervention; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results. Authors' contributions R.S. and A.R. conceptualised the study; R.S. and A.R. conducted the intervention; R.S. and A.R collected the data; R.S. analysed the data; R.S drafted the manuscript; R.S. and A.R reviewed the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Acknowledgements The authors sincerely thank all the OACC of Lajes das Flores staff (Ânia Vasconcelos, Diana Nóia, Emília Valadão) and volunteers for all their important contributions to the implementation of the TNR programme. We would also like to thank and acknowledge the members of the community who willingly participated in the programme. We also express our profound gratitude to the sponsors, namely the municipalities of Lajes das Flores (Luís Carlos Maciel) and Santa Cruz das Flores (José Carlos Mendes) for covering the costs of this ambitious TNR intervention. Most of all, we would like to thank the volunteers from the animal welfare organisations Veterinários sem Fronteiras – Portugal (Alice Matos, Beatriz Martins, Cristina Aguiar, Verónica Cabral), Associação Bons Amigos Internacional (Lara Baptista) and Associação Animais de Rua (Cheila Alves, Cheila Madaleno, Claudia Neves, Daniela Silva, Mafalda Gomes, Ondina Vieira, Patrícia Costa, Patrícia Figueira, Sofia Lima, Susana Quaresma) for their hard work, extraordinary professionalism and daily dedication to improve the living conditions of free-roaming cats and their integration in the community. 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Accessed 10 May 2024. Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz das Flores. https://www.cmscflores.pt . Accessed 10 May 2024. Veterinários. May Sem Fronteiras – Portugal. https://www.vsfportugal.com . Accessed 10 2024. Bons Amigos. https://www.bons-amigos.at/english . Accessed 10 May 2024. Animais de Rua. https://animaisderua.org. Accessed 10 May 2024. Horn JA, Mateus-Pinilla N, Warner RE, Heske EJ. Home range, habitat use, and activity patterns of free-roaming domestic cats. J Wildl Manage. 2011. 10.1002/jwmg.145 . Thomas RL, Baker PJ, Fellowes MDE. Ranging characteristics of the domestic cat ( Felis catus ) in an urban environment. Urban Ecosyst. 2014. 10.1007/s11252-014-0360-5 . Schmidt PM, Lopez RR, Collier BA. Survival, fecundity, and movements of free-roaming cats. J Wildl Manage. 2007. 10.2193/2006-066 . Luzardo OP, Zaldívar-Laguía JE, Zumbado M, Travieso-Aja M. The role of veterinarians in managing community cats: a contextualized, comprehensive approach for biodiversity, public health, and animal welfare. Anim (Basel). 2023. 10.3390/ani13101586 . Miller PS, Boone JD, Briggs JR, Lawler DF, Levy JK, Nutter FB, Slater M, Zawistowski S. Simulating free-roaming cat population management options in open demographic environments. PLoS ONE. 2014. 10.1371/journal.pone.0113553 . Parkes J, Fisher P, Robinson S, Aguirre-Muñoz A. Eradication of feral cats from large islands: An assessment of the effort required for success. N Z J Ecol. 2014;38:307–14. Lazenby BT, Mooney NJ, Dickman CR. Effects of low-level culling of feral cats in open populations: A case study from the forests of Southern Tasmania. Wildl Res. 2014. 10.1071/wr14030 . White SC, Jefferson E, Levy JK. Impact of publicly sponsored neutering programs on animal population dynamics at animal shelters: The New Hampshire and Austin experiences. J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2010. 10.1080/10888700903579903 . Mellor DJ. Galloping colts, fetal feelings, and reassuring regulations: Putting animal-welfare science into practice. J Vet Med Educ. 2010. 10.3138/jvme.37.1.94 . Nutter FB, Levine JF, Stoskopf MK. Reproductive capacity of free-roaming domestic cats and kitten survival rate. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004. 10.2460/javma.2004.225.1399 . Kustritz MVR. Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007. 10.2460/javma.231.11.1665 . Porters N, Polis I, Moons C, Duchateau L, Goethals K, Huyghe S, de Rooster H. Prepubertal gonadectomy in cats: Different surgical techniques and comparison with gonadectomy at traditional age. Vet Rec. 2014. 10.1136/vr.102337 . Griffin B, Bushby PA, McCobb E, White SC, Rigdon-Brestle YK, Appel LD, Makolinski KV, Wilford CL, Bohling MW, Eddlestone SM, et al. The association of shelter veterinarians’ 2016 Veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2016. 10.2460/javma.249.2.165 . Yates D, White K. Optimizing neutering programmes. In: Dean R, Roberts M, Stavisky J, editors. BSAVA Manual of canine and feline shelter medicine. Principles of health and welfare in a multi-animal environment. Gloucester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association; 2018. pp. 72–89. Feldman E, Nelson R. Feline reproduction. In: Feldman E, Nelson R, editors. Canine and feline endocrinology and reproduction. Philadelphia: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2004. pp. 741–67. Gunther I, Finkler H, Terkel J. Demographic differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011. 10.2460/javma.238.9.1134 . Gunther I, Raz T, Klement E. Association of neutering with health and welfare of urban free-roaming cat population in Israel, during 2012–2014. Prev Vet Med. 2018. 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.05.018 . Levy JK, Isaza NM, Scott KC. Effect of high-impact targeted trap-neuter-return and adoption of community cats on cat intake to a shelter. Vet J. 2014. 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.05.001 . Kilgour RJ, Magle SB, Slater M, Christian A, Weiss E, DiTullio M. Estimating free-roaming cat populations and the effects of one year trap-neuter-return management effort in a highly urban area. Urban Ecosyst. 2017. 10.1007/s11252-016-0583-8 . Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4409803","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":302773171,"identity":"0862d9a8-c296-4cf4-ad90-28b07e2edda0","order_by":0,"name":"Raquel Santos","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Raquel","middleName":"","lastName":"Santos","suffix":""},{"id":302773172,"identity":"e51e9d9d-9c91-404c-b209-4cbada8aa0dc","order_by":1,"name":"Ana Rois","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Lusófona University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ana","middleName":"","lastName":"Rois","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-05-12 22:08:17","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4409803/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4409803/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":57429223,"identity":"670a5485-6e47-4a38-94ad-b39a55895991","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-30 14:46:29","extension":"jpeg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":826250,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFlores Island free-roaming cats population survey. Geographic location of colonies and estimated population density are represented by coloured circles.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4409803/v1/454136d50183b10d2fb05d80.jpeg"},{"id":57429224,"identity":"26f6c66f-c9e6-4886-9cb0-9d96305b4c3f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-30 14:46:29","extension":"jpeg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1292900,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFlores Island targeted trap-neuter-return intervention. Geographic location of colonies and number of captured cats are represented by coloured circles. For each parish, the bar graph represents the animal data collected, namely number of lactating females (LF), pregnant females (PF), females (F), males (M), juveniles (J), adults (A), seniors (S), cats with visible ectoparasites (EctP), cats without visible ectoparasites (NF), cats with visible endoparasites (EndP), cats without visible endoparasites (NF), body condition scores 1 to 5 (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5), healthy cats (H), unhealthy cats (UnH), euthanasia deaths (E), orchiectomies (Or), ovariohysterectomies via lateral flank approach (OvL) and ovariohysterectomies via ventral midline approach (OvV).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4409803/v1/1e0fe9f840166f9d2735296f.jpeg"},{"id":59833557,"identity":"ecbdadd0-630d-4f71-9e14-94af45e5309a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-08 07:59:51","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2543490,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4409803/v1/b08aed4b-6a51-4e0b-8019-8a5f24bb7ee4.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Implementation of a targeted trap-neuter-return programme to manage the population of free- roaming cats (Felis silvestris catus) on Flores Island, Azores","fulltext":[{"header":"Background","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe volcanic Flores Island, located in the Azores archipelago, Portugal, was designated Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2009 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Flores and Corvo Islands compose the western group of the Azores archipelago, having the highest number of endemic species per unit area of the archipelago, reflecting its magnificent biodiversity and unadulterated vegetation areas. Flores coastal area is the breeding place for many marine bird species, especially for \u003cem\u003eSterna dougallii\u003c/em\u003e, which has approximately 40% of its population nesting there [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFree-roaming cats, regardless of their origin (owned or unowned), are recognised as a potential threat to native wildlife in many countries [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR4 CR5\" citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Frequently described as invasive alien species, \u003cem\u003eFelis silvestris catus\u003c/em\u003e (domestic cats) have been introduced in islands all over the world, resulting, according to some researchers, in a serious impact on native species, due to predation and hybridization [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Although preserving biodiversity is a major priority, especially in insular ecosystems, free-roaming cats are also associated with other problematic situations, for instance, the negative impact on public health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Due to their large population in close contact with humans and their capacity to be carriers or hosts of zoonotic pathogens, free-roaming cats can play an important role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes are being used worldwide for effective cat population management [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR9\" citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. These nonlethal free-roaming cat management programmes are recognised as a crucial procedure on animal protection and welfare, as well as leading to public health benefits [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. The TNR procedure includes, at the time of desexing, health check, parasite control, microchipping and ear-tipping for later identification. Many published studies from all over the world have demonstrated that TNR can be successful and ethical, preventing vacuum effects, especially in controlled areas, and reducing the cat population over time [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is very sparse data regarding desexing numbers and free-roaming cats' impact on Flores Island, as well as in all the archipelago, and to the best of our knowledge until 2023 (present study) no TNR programme was implemented in this region. Flores cats are a mixture of owned (although not identified) and unowned populations. Far from being feral populations, they are protected by caretakers which have a very close relationship with them. Due to the exponential growth of free-roaming cats on the island and considering that animal control is a government responsibility, the two municipalities, Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores, realised the need to implement a massive TNR programme.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study aims to report the first targeted TNR intervention implemented on Flores Island. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious, in terms of geographical coverage and number of desexed animals, concerted TNR programme ever conducted in Portugal.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlores Island has a surface area of 141.4 km\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] and a resident population of 3 497 inhabitants (2021 census) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. The municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores, located in the north, has four parishes: Caveira, Cedros, Ponta Delgada and Santa Cruz das Flores. The municipality of Lajes das Flores, located in the south, has seven parishes: Faj\u0026atilde; Grande, Faj\u0026atilde;zinha, Fazenda, Lajedo, Lajes das Flores, Lomba and Mosteiro. All the eleven parishes of Flores Island were enrolled in this study, whose main goal was to promote spay/neuter surgeries in more than 75% of their free-roaming cats population, that way reaching the threshold for successful TNR interventions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Flores Island project resulted from a concerted team work involving the municipalities of Lajes das Flores [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e] and Santa Cruz das Flores [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e], which promoted and sponsored the activities and collaborated in the fieldwork; Veterin\u0026aacute;rios sem Fronteiras \u0026ndash; Portugal [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e] and Associa\u0026ccedil;\u0026atilde;o Bons Amigos Internacional [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e], which organised the activities and performed all the medical procedures and Associa\u0026ccedil;\u0026atilde;o Animais de Rua [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e], which organised and performed the trapping and releasing actions in close collaboration with local caretakers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe truly believe that evaluation of data collected during such an ambitious project will provide a valuable insight on how to plan and implement a high volume high quality targeted TNR programme to effectively control free-roaming cat population growth and mitigate the negative impacts of their presence.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePopulation survey\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe free-roaming cats population survey conducted in this study estimated that, prior to this project, Flores Island was the home of 981 free-roaming cats and only 23 were desexed (22 inhabiting Lajes das Flores and 1 inhabiting Santa Cruz das Flores).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInformation gathered through collaborative efforts between municipalities and local caretakers and presented in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e indicates that Ponta Delgada was home to approximately 61 cats spread across 20 colonies, Cedros had 33 cats distributed in 9 colonies, Santa Cruz das Flores had 331 cats living in 84 colonies, Caveira had 23 cats distributed in 3 colonies, Faj\u0026atilde; Grande had 83 cats spread across 10 colonies, Faj\u0026atilde;zinha had 30 cats distributed in 10 colonies, Mosteiro had 14 cats living in 2 colonies, Lajedo had 68 cats distributed in 16 colonies, Lajes das Flores had 190 cats spread across 33 colonies, Fazenda had 72 cats distributed in 14 colonies and Lomba had 76 cats living in 17 colonies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eHealth check and animal data collection\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring the TNR initiative a total of 772 free-roaming cats were captured and transported to the Official Animal Collection Center (OACC) of Lajes das Flores. One cat presented respiratory distress incompatible with a safe surgical intervention and stayed in OACC for ongoing treatment, 20 cats were too sick or injured and did not meet the criteria for treatment and for that reason were humanely euthanized. That left 751 cats that were considered healthy and suitable for surgery.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor each parish, number of intervened cats and animal data collected, namely gender, age, reproductive status, presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites, body condition score, general health status and medical procedures performed, are presented in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, as well as percentage of desexed cats after this TNR programme.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResults from the animal data collected from the 772 captured cats indicate that 66.71% were adults (515/772), 27.98% were juveniles (216/772) and only 5.3% were seniors (41/772). Regarding gender, males were 44.56% (344/772) and females were 55.44% (428/772), of which 74 were lactating and 51 were pregnant. Ectoparasites, namely fleas, were visually detected in the skin and fur of 33.55% (259/772) of cats and endoparasites were macroscopically observed in feaces of only 2.98% (23/772) of cats. Three quarters of cats (579/772) presented a body condition score of 3, 1.55% (12/772) were emaciated presenting a body condition score of 1, 13.86% (107/772) were thin presenting a body condition score of 2 and 9.59% (74/772) were fat presenting a body condition score of 4. The majority, 79.79% (616/772), of captured cats were healthy and 20.21% (156/772) were classified as unhealthy due to presenting gingivitis, stomatitis, pale mucous membranes, dehydration, skin injuries, eye infection or other clinical abnormality. Twenty cats, 2.59%, four females and sixteen males, of which two were juveniles, twelve were adults and six were seniors, were too sick or injured and were humanely euthanised. One cat presented with respiratory distress was not suited for surgery and stayed in OACC facilities for treatment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpay and neuter surgery\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom the 772 free-roaming cats captured and transported to OACC facilities, only 751 were included in the TNR activities and underwent spay or neuter surgery. No cats died during surgery and no postoperative surgical wound complications were observed.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrchiectomy (neutering) was performed in 42.49% (328/772) of captured cats and ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy (spaying) was performed through left lateral flank laparotomy in 27.33% (211/772) of cats and through ventral midline laparotomy in the remaining 27.46% (212/772).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs illustrated in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, in Ponta Delgada 55 cats (34 males and 21 females) were captured, 1 was euthanized and 54 were desexed; in Cedros 32 cats (13 males and 19 females) were captured, 1 was euthanized and 31 were desexed; in Santa Cruz das Flores 281 cats (100 males and 181 females) were captured, 7 were euthanized, 1 was unhealthy and stayed in OACC for ongoing treatment and 273 were desexed; in Caveira 15 cats (9 males and 6 females) were captured, 1 was euthanized and 14 were desexed; in Faj\u0026atilde; Grande 70 cats (24 males and 46 females) were captured, 3 were euthanized and 67 were desexed; in Faj\u0026atilde;zinha 30 cats (16 males and 14 females) were captured, 2 were euthanized and 28 were desexed; in Mosteiro 14 cats (9 males and 5 females) were captured and desexed; in Lajedo 54 cats (33 males and 21 females) were captured and desexed; in Lajes das Flores 112 cats (57 males and 55 females) were captured, 3 were euthanized and 109 were desexed; in Fazenda 45 cats (17 males and 28 females) were captured and desexed; in Lomba 64 cats (32 males and 32 females) were captured, 1 was euthanized and 63 were desexed.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBefore this TNR intervention, Flores Island was the home of 981 free-roaming cats and only 2.34% (23/981) were desexed (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). After this intensive and concerted TNR programme, 961 free-roaming cats inhabited the eleven parishes of the island and 80.54% (774/961) were desexed (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe issue of free-roaming cats is significant across Europe, where hundreds of thousands are abandoned annually. While some perish, others adjust to wandering freely and form communities of cats that often gather in clusters. These feline groups are commonly seen in urban areas where they can find sustenance and refuge [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR22\" citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlores Island, in the Azores archipelago, is no exception. The abundant food resources, particularly in urban settings, the protection by local caretakers and the virtual absence of predators resulted in an exponential growth of free-roaming cats population in the Island.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequent complaints associated with free-roaming cats uncontrolled expansion include the welfare of the cats themselves, public health and zoonotic diseases [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e], spread of diseases to other species or pet cats, public nuisance, and predation of wildlife [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Given that animal control is a government responsibility, the municipalities of Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores recognized the necessity for effective and humane methods to manage free-roaming cats population on Flores Island.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen comparing TNR with lethal cat control programmes, it's crucial to recognize that a lethal control approach would necessitate the elimination of a substantial portion of the cat population and must be sustained over a long period of time [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. Implementing trapping and killing programmes is far from straightforward and requires significant resource investments to have any chance of success. This challenge is evident in efforts to eradicate cats, even from geographically isolated islands, which face fewer difficulties compared to programmes in urban and non-isolated areas [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that suboptimal rates of cat removal might paradoxically result in an increase in cat numbers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. Sustainable, ethical and science-based solutions such as TNR initiatives are the most efficient way to humanely manage free-roaming cat populations without harmful effects on their welfare [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e This study represents the first targeted TNR programme ever implemented on Flores Island, resulting from a concerted team work effort involving two municipalities, local caretakers, veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and trained volunteers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrevious studies indicate that controlling cat populations through TNR requires consistent and intensive efforts conducted in contiguous geographic areas to effectively reduce population numbers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. To make the investment worthwhile and to achieve a decrease in cat population, a specific and appropriate area must be targeted and a neutering/spaying rate\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;70\u0026ndash;75% is recommended. Moreover, the TNR activities must be implemented repeatedly and consistently [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe free-roaming cats population survey conducted on Flores Islands reported an estimated count of 981 cats residing in the eleven parishes, of which only 2.34% (23/981) were previously desexed. During the trapping activities, 772 targeted cats were captured and transported to OACC facilities, twenty cats were too sick or injured and did not meet the criteria for treatment, thus being humanely euthanised and one cat was presenting respiratory distress and for that reason did not undergo surgery and was treated accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwo thirds (66.71%) of captured cats were adults, almost 80% were healthy (79.79%) and three quarters (75.0%) presented a body condition score of 3. Only 5.3% were seniors and approximately one quarter (27.98%) were juveniles. Amongst the females, 11.91% were pregnant and 17.29% were lactating. Moreover, endoparasites were rarely observed in faeces (2.98%) and fleas were detected in one third (33.55%) of cats. A possible explanation for the high proportion of cats presenting good health statuses and the low occurrence of severe injuries among Flores Island free-roaming cats can be found in the strong bond between these cats and their caretakers. During this TNR intervention the local population expressed concern for the well-being and health of intervened cats and some local caretakers volunteered to monitor the animals in the days following surgery.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll surgically intervened cats were left ear-tipped. Ear-tipping serves as an universal and unmistakable indicator of a cat that has undergone desexing surgery. It involves the removal of one centimetre from the tip of left ear through a straight line incision while cats are anesthetised. Ear-tips are a visible mark that enables caretakers, trappers and animal control personnel to promptly identify a cat as spayed or neutered, even from a distance.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring this intensive TNR programme, 51 pregnant cats were spayed. Due to the complete removal of a pregnant cat's uterus without dissection, the foetus would not undergo consciousness regardless of the pregnancy stage. Consequently, it would die without experiencing any pain [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Moreover, studies suggest that even when food and water is provided, about 75% of free-roaming kittens die or disappear within 6 months after birth, in urban areas [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]. For that reason, we recommend the spaying of pregnant cats as an ethical methodology to improve the welfare of free-roaming cats.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother common misconception often observed is the belief that early age neutering/spaying poses a risk to small juvenile cats. Some caretakers may argue that small cats could face harassment from adult cats and might need a longer recovery period post-surgery. However, evidence shows that surgical procedures for young adult cats are simpler, quicker, and safer compared to those for older cats [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR32\" citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. Moreover, the likelihood of diseases such as mammary hyperplasia, ovarian cysts, and increased friability and vascularity of the uterus, is lower in younger female cats than in older ones, and their postoperative recovery is faster [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]. Female cats typically enter their first oestrous cycle at 6 months of age, but this can be accelerated by exposure to male cats in the vicinity and under stable nutritional conditions and habitat. If suitable physical and nutritional circumstances are present, females can conceive when they reach a weight of approximately 2 kg [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]. If female cats are released without undergoing spaying surgery, they are likely to become pregnant and compensate for the lack of breeding, particularly in areas where a TNR programme is implemented [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]. For all the above mentioned reasons we strongly recommend to include paediatric desexing in TNR activities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeveral studies suggest that TNR programmes improve the welfare of free-roaming cats, as observed by the lower proportion of cats with poor health statuses, namely emaciation, skin lesions and severe disabilities or injuries in areas where TNR activities were implemented [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]. The neutering/spaying positive impact in the health of cats can be due to both direct effects on desexed cats and indirect influence on the general cat population (intact and desexed cats). Neutering may reduce competitive behaviours among neutered cats, allowing other cats greater access to essential resources, such as food and shelter. Additionally, while a higher prevalence of permanent disability was observed among neutered/spayed free-roaming cats, this doesn't necessarily imply a heightened risk of injury. Instead, it may reflect their potentially longer lifespan [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBy the end of our study, an estimated count of 961 cats roamed free on Flores Island, of which 80.54% (774/961) were neutered/spayed. Previous investigations, including analyses using matrix population models, suggest that effective control of cat populations can be achieved through annual desexing of \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;75% of the fertile population [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. Succeeding in this objective requires an initial assessment with an extensive and comprehensive survey, a consistent implementation of coordinated TNR programmes and frequent monitoring and evaluation. These initiatives demand dedicated resources, staffing, and are intended as long-term strategies. A TNR initiative implemented inadequately in an inappropriate area is prone to being a misuse of resources and may fail to achieve its goals.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh volume, high quality, targeted TNR interventions, as the one here reported, are more effective than sporadic TNR in reducing cat population and have a stronger impact in cat welfare over time [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]. The Flores Island TNR project demonstrated that through a collaborative process between municipalities, local caretakers and animal welfare organisations it is possible to effectively implement a mass desexing programme for free-roaming cats with great population control results. We are confident that the data presented here will provide guidance for future design and implementation of TNR programmes in large targeted areas.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe results from this study demonstrate the feasibility of a targeted TNR programme for controlling the free-roaming cats population of Flores Island. Engagement from local caretakers, commitment from municipalities\u0026rsquo; personnel and joint efforts from animal welfare organisations resulted in a massive and successful neutering/spaying action involving 772 free-roaming cats.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurther assessment of such programmes are important tools for developing better strategies to control the population of free-roaming cats, particularly in islands, but also in non-isolated areas. By analysing the data presented here and conducting additional evaluations of these programmes, we can gain valuable insights for refining strategies to manage free-roaming cat populations. This is especially crucial in island environments, where conservation efforts often hinge on preserving native biodiversity. However, these insights are equally applicable on non-isolated areas, where the challenges of cat overpopulation and its impacts on wildlife, public health, and animal welfare are also significant concerns. Through continued research and evaluation, we can work towards more effective and humane solutions to address the complex dynamics of free-roaming cat populations across various landscapes.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFree-roaming cats population survey\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring the period spanning from March to April 2023, and again from July to August 2023, the Flores Island municipalities Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores undertook an extensive survey to assess free-roaming cat population size and colonies location across the island. Previously desexed animals were identified. Local caretakers from the eleven parishes were personally contacted to collaborate in the survey aiming to cover all the island terrestrial territory. Free-roaming cats not previously desexed inhabiting Flores Island were targeted to be included in the TNR activities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTrapping and returning\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter analysis of the free-roaming cats population survey, a team from Animais de Rua confirmed, \u003cem\u003ein loco\u003c/em\u003e, each colony location and population size.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom April 29th to May 9th 2023, and from September 9th to September 16th 2023, the targeted animals surveyed for intervention were captured by Animais de Rua, in close collaboration with local caretakers. Manual and automatic cat cage traps were set in the field and free-roaming cats were captured according to the best practices [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e] and transported to the OACC. Any companion cats already microchipped and desexed that were unintentionally trapped were released immediately. Also, trapped kittens that were estimated to be 12 weeks of age or less were not eligible for surgery, therefore, were immediately released.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter fully recovered from the intervention, cats were released back to their original colony where local caretakers were asked to provide ongoing care on recently desexed cats.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eHealth check and animal data collection\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the OACC facilities cats were weighted and screened for any potential contraindication for anaesthesia. After induction of anaesthesia and before surgery, the veterinary surgeons assessed cats eligibility through clinical examination. Animal data was collected to record gender, weight, age, body condition score, presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites, respiratory and intestinal signs, skin, mouth and ocular lesions, pregnancy and lactation status and general health status.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor the purpose of this study, age was estimated by animal size and teeth observation. A juvenile was defined as a cat with an estimated age of 12 months or less, an adult cat was defined as one with an estimated age greater than 12 months and a senior cat was defined as one with an estimated age greater than six years. Body condition scoring was evaluated on a scale of 1\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;emaciation to 5\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;obesity. Cats with bad general health status, categorised as unhealthy cats, were defined as cats with the presence of one or more of the following clinical abnormalities: lymph node enlargement, pale or icteric mucous membranes, stomatitis or signs of ocular, respiratory, digestive and reproductive infections. Ectoparasites and endoparasites were detected macroscopically through direct examination of skin and fur and through visual examination of faeces, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCats presenting health issues incompatible with a safe surgical intervention were treated and excluded from the TNR programme. Cats that were sick or injured and did not meet the criteria for treatment were euthanized on humane grounds.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpay and neuter surgery\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre-medication, induction and maintenance of anaesthesia were accomplished by a single injectable combination of drugs, by the intramuscular route. The anaesthetic protocol was based on the QUAD protocol and included a combination of 5 mg/kg ketamine, 0.05 mg/kg medetomidine, 0.2 mg/kg methadone and 0.2 mg/kg midazolam. If needed intraoperatively, additional 0.25 mg/kg alfaxalone intravenous administration was provided. Male cats also received an intratesticular injection of 2 mg/kg lidocaine.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn addition to the multimodal protocol, immediately after induction, cats received a subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam and female cats also received a subcutaneous administration of 0.4 mg/kg long-acting amoxicillin.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll surgically intervened cats were left ear-tipped and then subjected to orchiectomy (neutering) or ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy (spaying). Pregnant, emaciated or dehydrated cats received intravenous normal-saline fluid therapy during desexing surgery. Ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy was performed through left lateral flank laparotomy in lactating cats and through ventral midline laparotomy in cats with suspected pregnancy or pyometra.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter surgery and while under anaesthesia, cats were microchipped and treated with endoparasiticides via a single subcutaneous administration of ivermectine 0.4 mg/kg, and with ectoparasiticides via a spot on administration of emodepside plus praziquantel 3\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 mg/kg.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll medical procedures were performed according to the best practices, under strict sterile conditions and with cats under general anaesthesia, by licensed veterinary surgeons from Veterin\u0026aacute;rios sem Fronteiras \u0026ndash; Portugal and Associa\u0026ccedil;\u0026atilde;o Bons Amigos Internacional, with experience in soft tissue surgeries.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter desexing, cats stayed in the OACC facilities for 24\u0026ndash;48 hours under surveillance, except for lactating females which were contained for only 6 hours after surgery. Desexed cats were checked for food intake, urination and defecation during the holding period before returning to their colonies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSample collection\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile cats were under anaesthesia, biological samples were collected from 50 cats. Faecal samples were collected in order to study cats' diet (data not shown). Blood and skin samples were collected and preserved for future genetic and epidemiologic studies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor each parish, the location of free-roaming cats colonies was recorded using Google Maps software. Flores Island spatial patterns maps, including colonies\u0026rsquo; location, estimated population density and number of captured cats, were generated using Adobe Ilustrator software.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescriptive statistics were performed on animal data collected during the TNR programme, namely cats age, gender \u0026ndash; including pregnancy and lactation statuses if female, body condition score, presence or absence of ectoparasites and endoparasites, general health statuses and medical interventions performed.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionList\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eTNR\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrap-Neuter-Return\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eOACC\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOfficial Animal Collection Center\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was approved by the Committee of Ethics and Animal Welfare (CEBEA) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lus\u0026oacute;fona University (ethical approval code 62024).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets used and analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research was funded by the municipalities of Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores, Azores, Portugal. The funding sponsors, the municipalities of Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores, provided general guidance and contributed for the free-roaming cats population survey. The funders had no role in the design of the TNR intervention; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR.S. and A.R. conceptualised the study; R.S. and A.R. conducted the intervention; R.S. and A.R collected the data; R.S. analysed the data; R.S drafted the manuscript; R.S. and A.R reviewed the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors sincerely thank all the OACC of Lajes das Flores staff (\u0026Acirc;nia Vasconcelos, Diana N\u0026oacute;ia, Em\u0026iacute;lia Valad\u0026atilde;o) and volunteers for all their important contributions to the implementation of the TNR programme. We would also like to thank and acknowledge the members of the community who willingly participated in the programme. We also express our profound gratitude to the sponsors, namely the municipalities of Lajes das Flores (Lu\u0026iacute;s Carlos Maciel) and Santa Cruz das Flores (Jos\u0026eacute; Carlos Mendes) for covering the costs of this ambitious TNR intervention. Most of all, we would like to thank the volunteers from the animal welfare organisations Veterin\u0026aacute;rios sem Fronteiras \u0026ndash; Portugal (Alice Matos, Beatriz Martins, Cristina Aguiar, Ver\u0026oacute;nica Cabral), Associa\u0026ccedil;\u0026atilde;o Bons Amigos Internacional (Lara Baptista) and Associa\u0026ccedil;\u0026atilde;o Animais de Rua (Cheila Alves, Cheila Madaleno, Claudia Neves, Daniela Silva, Mafalda Gomes, Ondina Vieira, Patr\u0026iacute;cia Costa, Patr\u0026iacute;cia Figueira, Sofia Lima, Susana Quaresma) for their hard work, extraordinary professionalism and daily dedication to improve the living conditions of free-roaming cats and their integration in the community.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUNESCO World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves. 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Urban Ecosyst. 2017. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1007/s11252-016-0583-8\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1007/s11252-016-0583-8\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Cat Welfare, Community Cats, Desexing, Early Age Desexing, Free-Roaming Cats, Island Biodiversity, Population Control, Sustainability, Trap-Neuter-Return","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4409803/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4409803/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe negative impact posed by the uncontrolled growth of free-roaming cat populations, namely spread of diseases, public nuisance, and predation of wildlife, has prompted the development of ethical solutions to control cat populations. Science-based solutions such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes are the most efficient way to humanely manage free-roaming cats populations. While Portugal has sporadically employed TNR initiatives, no formal evaluations of its effectiveness were performed. We report the implementation of a concerted and targeted TNR initiative to control free-roaming cats population. This large-scale study took place on Flores Island, Azores, where a survey was conducted across its eleven parishes to assess cat colonies location and population density. Free-roaming cats were captured and transported to the official animal collection center of Lajes das Flores, where they were weighted and screened for any potential contraindication surgery. After induction of anaesthesia, the veterinary surgeons assessed cats eligibility through clinical examination. Animal data was collected to record gender, weight, age, body condition score, presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites, respiratory and intestinal signs, skin, mouth and ocular lesions, pregnancy and lactation status and general health status.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring this study, 751 targeted free-roaming cats were trapped, desexed and then returned to their original colonies. Previous to our intervention, Flores Island housed a population of approximately 981 free-roaming cats, with only 2.34% (23/981) being desexed. Following the extensive targeted TNR activities, the cat population decreased slightly to 961 individuals with 80.54% (774/961) having undergone spaying or neutering procedures. This achievement surpassed the threshold for successful TNR initiatives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusions\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e Our findings underscore the efficacy of targeted TNR programmes as a practical and valuable ethical solution to manage cat population growth. These results provide valuable insights and guidance for the large-scale implementation of similar initiatives on other regions grappling with free-roaming cat populations.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Implementation of a targeted trap-neuter-return programme to manage the population of free- roaming cats (Felis silvestris catus) on Flores Island, Azores","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-05-30 14:46:25","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4409803/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"20f28954-6a8d-41b0-9d58-04598313ad3c","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 30th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-07-08T07:51:43+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-05-30 14:46:25","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4409803","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4409803","identity":"rs-4409803","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}