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Gu X, Wu D, Zhang Z, Peng G, Ni A, Wang B, Xiong X, Liu Y, Wang L. Public Attitudes towards and Management Strategies for Community Cats in Urban China. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2301. [PMID: 39199835 PMCID: PMC11350748 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Managing community cats in urban China is a contentious and emerging issue, with debates centering on the most effective and humane approaches. This study aimed to investigate public attitudes towards community cats and various management strategies. A survey was conducted involving 5382 urban residents in China. Their attitudes towards the positive and negative roles of community cats in urban areas and their support for different management methods were examined, including trap-and-kill, taking no action, centralized management, and trap-neuter-return (TNR) and its variations. Results indicated that 63% of participants were willing to coexist with community cats, 71% opposed trap-and-kill, and 61% agreed or strongly agreed with the TNR method and its variations. Older residents or those with higher incomes were more likely to support coexistence with community cats. In contrast, younger or lower-income residents were more likely to support non-coexistence. Residents in first- or second-tier cities (e.g., Beijing, Hangzhou, and Jinan Cities in China) were more inclined to support trap-and-kill and less likely to support coexistence than their counterparts in fourth-tier cities (e.g., county-level cities in China). Moreover, those with lower education or incomes were more supportive of trap-and-kill and taking no action as the methods to manage community cats than those with relatively higher education or incomes. Those with higher incomes held more positive attitudes towards community cats and were more supportive of TNR and its variations than their counterparts with lower incomes. Males were more inclined to support trap-and-kill and taking no action and less inclined to support centralized management and TNR than females. The implications of the findings on TNR with adoption programs in urban China are discussed. These novel findings underscore the need for targeted educational campaigns to promote humane and effective management strategies, addressing public concerns and community cats' welfare. The study's insights are critical for informing policy and improving community cat management in urban China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Gu
- Department of Social Work, School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (A.N.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (L.W.)
- Center for Animal Protection Studies, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (D.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (B.W.)
| | - Di Wu
- Center for Animal Protection Studies, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (D.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (B.W.)
- Department of Sociology, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Zilin Zhang
- Center for Animal Protection Studies, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (D.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (B.W.)
| | - Guo Peng
- Center for Animal Protection Studies, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (D.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (B.W.)
- Department of Philosophy, School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Anru Ni
- Department of Social Work, School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (A.N.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (L.W.)
- Center for Animal Protection Studies, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (D.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (B.W.)
| | - Bo Wang
- Center for Animal Protection Studies, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (D.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (B.W.)
- School of Education, Shandong Women’s University, Jinan 250300, China
| | - Xiufan Xiong
- Department of Social Work, School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (A.N.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Yujie Liu
- Department of Social Work, School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (A.N.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Social Work, School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (A.N.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (L.W.)
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Sensharma R, Reinhard CL, Powell L, Watson B. Public perceptions of free-roaming dogs and cats in India and the United States. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38958018 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2024.2374078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to describe differences between India and the United States in public perceptions of free-roaming dogs and cats, concerns related to free-roaming animals, and preferred strategies for veterinary medical interventions and population management. Between August 2021 and February 2022, 498 individuals completed an online survey including 210 Indian respondents and 288 American respondents. Free-roaming dogs and cats were largely perceived as community animals among Indian respondents, with significantly more respondents indicating they should be allowed to roam freely compared with American respondents. Respondents from both countries were concerned about animal welfare, although Americans were significantly more likely to list animal welfare, public health and wildlife risks as significant concerns related to free-roaming cats and dogs. American respondents were also more likely to support adoption for sociable animals and euthanasia for unsociable animals, whereas Indian respondents were more likely to support spay/neuter, vaccinate and release strategies for both dogs and cats. Our findings speak to the importance of implementing tailored strategies for free-roaming cat and dog management based on local cultures and community perceptions of free-roaming animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshmi Sensharma
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chelsea L Reinhard
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Powell
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brittany Watson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Farizqi MTI, Effendi MH, Adikara RTS, Yudaniayanti IS, Putra GDS, Khairullah AR, Kurniawan SC, Silaen OSM, Ramadhani S, Millannia SK, Kaben SE, Waruwu YKK. Detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli genes isolated from cat rectal swabs at Surabaya Veterinary Hospital, Indonesia. Vet World 2023; 16:1917-1925. [PMID: 37859949 PMCID: PMC10583880 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1917-1925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Escherichia coli causes a bacterial illness that frequently affects cats. Diseases caused by E. coli are treated using antibiotics. Because of their proximity to humans, cats possess an extremely high risk of contracting antibiotic resistance genes when their owners touch cat feces containing E. coli that harbor resistance genes. This study was conducted to identify multidrug-resistant E. coli and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing genes from cat rectal swabs collected at Surabaya City Veterinary Hospital to determine antibiotic sensitivity. Materials and Methods Samples of cat rectal swabs were cultured in Brilliant Green Bile Lactose Broth medium and then streaked on eosin methylene blue agar medium for bacterial isolation, whereas Gram-staining and IMViC tests were conducted to confirm the identification results. The Kirby-Bauer diffusion test was used to determine antibiotic sensitivity, and the double-disk synergy test was used to determine ESBL-producing bacteria. Molecular detection of the genes TEM and CTX-M was performed using a polymerase chain reaction. Results Based on morphological culture, Gram-staining, and biochemical testing, the results of sample inspection showed that of the 100 cat rectal swab samples isolated, 71 (71%) were positive for E. coli. Furthermore, 23 E. coli isolates (32.39%) demonstrated the highest resistance to ampicillin. Four isolates were confirmed to be multidurg-resistant and ESBL-producing strains. Molecular examination revealed that three E. coli isolates harbored TEM and CTX-M. Conclusion In conclusion, pet owners must be educated on the use of antibiotics to improve their knowledge about the risks of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Thoriq Ihza Farizqi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Surabaya, 60115, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Mustofa Helmi Effendi
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Surabaya, 60115, East Java, Indonesia
| | - R. Tatang Santanu Adikara
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Surabaya, 60115, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Ira Sari Yudaniayanti
- Division of Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Surabay, 60115, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Giovanni Dwi Syahni Putra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Surabaya, 60115, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Aswin Rafif Khairullah
- Division of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Surabaya, 60115, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Shendy Canadya Kurniawan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Specialisation in Molecule, Cell and Organ Functioning, Wageningen University and Research. Wageningen, 6708 PB, Netherlands
| | - Otto Sahat Martua Silaen
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya No. 6 Senen, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Safira Ramadhani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Surabaya, 60115, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Saumi Kirey Millannia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Surabaya, 60115, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Sergius Erikson Kaben
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Surabaya, 60115, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Yusac Kristanto Khoda Waruwu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Kampus C Mulyorejo, Surabaya, 60115, East Java, Indonesia
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Ma GC, McLeod LJ, Zito SJ. Characteristics of cat semi-owners. J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X231194225. [PMID: 37751179 PMCID: PMC10812031 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x231194225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Unowned 'stray' domestic cats threaten wildlife, as well as create a community nuisance and contribute to high rates of euthanasia in animal shelters. These cats can experience poor welfare, contribute to the pet cat population and compromise attempts to control feral cats. However, many unowned domestic cats are cared for by semi-owners who do not consider they own these cats; therefore, semi-owners are a potentially important target population for human behaviour change interventions. The present study aimed to describe the characteristics of cat semi-owners and compare these with the general population of cat owners and non-cat owners to inform future cat management interventions. METHODS An online questionnaire open to all residents of New South Wales, Australia was developed and advertised. Respondents were asked 'do you care for other free-roaming or stray cats (not including the cats you own)?', whether they owned cats, about characteristics of their home and their agreement with 15 capability, social opportunity and motivation (COM) items relating to cat containment. RESULTS Questionnaire responses were received from 8708 people, including 588 semi-owners (7%). Semi-owners were significantly more likely to be female, live in urban areas, live in lower socioeconomic areas and rent their home. Most semi-owners also owned their own cats and owned more cats than non-semi-owners. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Semi-owners of unowned 'stray' cats are a valuable potential target audience for human behaviour change interventions. Understanding that these semi-owners often have their own cats, might already be overwhelmed with cat-caring responsibilities and are disproportionately from lower socioeconomic backgrounds should guide intervention design. A nuanced approach is needed that prioritises the wellbeing of cats and semi-owners for semi-owners to 'buy in'. Any intervention should also recognise that semi-owners often face multiple, complex barriers to neutering or claiming ownership of the cats they care for, especially cost, and trust in the authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma C Ma
- RSPCA New South Wales, Yagoona, NSW, Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lynette J McLeod
- School of Psychology, Speech & Hearing, The University of Canterbury, Canterbury, NSW, Australia
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Yan TY, Teng KTY. Trends in Animal Shelter Management, Adoption, and Animal Death in Taiwan from 2012 to 2020. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091451. [PMID: 37174488 PMCID: PMC10177604 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This current study investigated the trends in public animal shelter intakes and outcomes and the workload of shelter veterinarians in Taiwan from 2012 to 2020 and reports spatial, temporal, and socioeconomic factors associated with these trends. Information about the public animal shelter management of dogs and cats from all counties of Taiwan between 2012 and 2020 was acquired from the National Animal Shelter Management System of the Council of Agriculture Executive Yuan in Taiwan. Ridge regression followed by multivariable linear regression was conducted to examine the risk factors for animal intakes, outcomes, the number of adopted animals, and the estimated veterinary workload in public animal shelters. The intakes and outcomes of shelter animals significantly decreased over time. Euthanasia, which was performed in the shelters, was positively associated with shelter animal intakes and outcomes as it resulted in animal outcomes and thus facilitated the flow of animals in the shelters. Adoption and trap-neuter-vaccination-return, in replacement of euthanasia, became the main reasons for animal outcomes, and with every increase in human fertility rate, the monthly number of adopted animals over the number of animals entering shelters increased by 1.10% (95% CI: 0.21 to 2.00). The veterinary workload in the shelters of two counties exceeded what is regulated by law (i.e., 100 animals per veterinarian) in 2018 and increased to six counties in 2020. This current study reported important trends in the management of public animal shelters in Taiwan, the increasing workload of shelter veterinarians, and factors associated with these trends. It built the epidemiological foundation for future research on methods of improving shelter management and work conditions for shelter staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Yun Yan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106216, Taiwan
| | - Kendy Tzu-Yun Teng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106216, Taiwan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
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Natoli E, Litchfield C, Pontier D. Coexistence between Humans and ‘Misunderstood’ Domestic Cats in the Anthropocene: Exploring Behavioural Plasticity as a Gatekeeper of Evolution. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131717. [PMID: 35804616 PMCID: PMC9264925 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Welfare and management decisions for unowned free-ranging cats in urban environments should no longer be based on knowledge about behavioural ecology of solitary cats living and breeding in more natural ‘wild’ environments. We provide evidence that urban free-ranging domestic cats in the Anthropocene have responded to rapidly changing environments, such as abundance of food and higher population densities of conspecifics by adapting their behaviour (behavioural plasticity—the ability of a genotype (individual) to express different behaviours according to its environment) and social organisation to living in complex social groups, especially those living in colonies. Urban free-ranging cats are now more social, as demonstrated by different breeding patterns, lower infanticide, more frequent affiliative interactions in general, and different spatial groupings. We argue that this knowledge should be disseminated widely, and inform future research and strategies used to manage free-ranging cats across environments. Understanding behavioural plasticity and other recently evolved traits of domestic cats may lead to management strategies that maximise health and welfare of cats, wildlife, and humans—otherwise domestic cat behaviour may be ‘misunderstood’. Importantly, interdisciplinary research using expertise from biological and social sciences, and engaging human communities, should evaluate these management strategies to ensure they maintain optimal welfare of free-ranging domestic cats while preserving biodiversity and protecting wildcats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Natoli
- Canile Sovrazonale, ASL Roma 3 (Local Health Unit Rome 3), 00148 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Carla Litchfield
- Conservation Psychology and Applied Animal Behaviour Research Group, Justice and Society (Discipline of Psychology), University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
| | - Dominique Pontier
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et de Biologie Évolutive, UMR CNRS5558, Université C. Bernard Lyon 1, 43 Bd du 11 nov. 1018, 69622 Villeurbanne, France;
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McDonald SE, Miller GS, Fried TR, Olmedo D, Matijczak A. Increasing Engagement in Kitten Fostering Programs: Lessons Learned From High Kitten Intake Zip Codes in Los Angeles County. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:897687. [PMID: 35754537 PMCID: PMC9218863 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.897687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the current study was to identify ways to increase awareness and engagement in kitten fostering programs (KFPs) among residents of areas with a high intake of kittens to animal shelters in Southern California (i.e., Los Angeles County). Specifically, we aimed to understand residents': (1) awareness of KFPs and kitten overpopulation issues, (2) interest in fostering kittens with an animal welfare organization, (3) concerns about fostering, (4) perceived ability to meet common KFP requirements, and (5) perceptions of potential KFP marketing/messaging and communication methods. Participants included 283, predominantly Hispanic/Latinx adults aged 18 years or older who resided in Los Angeles County and who lived in one of 12 zip codes with a high rate of kitten shelter intake. Survey results indicated that more than one quarter of participants had engaged in fostering on their own without an animal shelter or rescue program. One-third of the total sample, and more than two-thirds of participants who had already fostered cats and kittens on their own, were open to fostering kittens in partnership with an animal shelter. A majority of individuals who were interested in fostering had not seen advertising for fostering programs; Spanish-language participants were significantly less likely than expected to have encountered program advertisements. The most prevalent concerns about fostering in our sample were centered on the time (79%), cost (78%), and space (77%) required to engage in fostering. Text, email, social media, and mail were among the most preferred methods for marketing and communication, with some variation between Spanish and English language respondents. Opportunities for increasing engagement included, but were not limited to, improving the promotion of program advertisements using animal-welfare and cost-focused messaging approaches and improving the dissemination and marketing of Spanish-language materials. Providing community members with realistic expectations of the time, resources, and support they will get from animal welfare organizations may improve engagement in KFPs, as well as identifying alternative resources and supports (e.g., transportation, in-home veterinary visits) to assist community members in serving animals in their community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby E McDonald
- Department of Strategy and Research, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gregory S Miller
- Department of Strategy and Research, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tina Reddington Fried
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Feline Programs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Debra Olmedo
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Feline Programs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Angela Matijczak
- Department of Strategy and Research, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New York, NY, United States.,School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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