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The behavior of stray cats in Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs

Hernandez SM, Loyd KAT, Newton AN, et al. Activity patterns and interspecific interactions of free-roaming, domestic cats in managed Trap-Neuter-Return colonies. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 202 (2018) 63–68.

This article examines the behavior of stray cats in Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs. They looked at colonies on a remote barrier island in the southeastern USA. They used KittyCam video on 26 cats for 645 hours. They found that 89.5% of the time was spent resting and sleeping. Roaming occupied 9% of the time, while 0.6% and 0.9% of the time was spent eating/drinking and hunting.

Neither gender nor colony locale affected the parameters. Interaction with wildlife species was noted. Non-hunting interaction primarily occurred with raccoons, vultures, deer, and opossums and occurred at cat feeding stations.

According to the investigators, “ Understanding stray cat activity patterns may provide insight into the welfare of domestic cats in the environment, including their exposure to injury and disease from interacting with other animals.” (MK)

See also:

Miyazaki M, et al. Potential use of domestic cat (Felis catus) urinary extracts for manipulating the behavior of free-roaming cats and wild small felids. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 196. Nov (2017) 52-60.