A One Welfare framework for managing free-roaming cats

Study

“Rethinking Urban Cat Management—Limitations and Unintended Consequences of Traditional Cat Management,” published in the journal Animals, 2025. Complete article available online here.

Overview

In this article, researchers argue that a One Welfare framework, “which recognizes the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental welfare,” is more effective for managing free-roaming cat populations in urban areas that the traditional, punitive approach [1].

Key Points

The traditional approach to managing free-roaming cats in urban parts of Australia (and elsewhere) has typically involved “legislation, followed by enforcement aimed at achieving compliance” (e.g., curfews, mandated sterilization and registration) [1]. Among the negative consequences of such an approach are increased shelter impoundments and euthanasia (especially in low-income areas), distrust between animal service staff and the communities they serve, and the compromised well-being of shelter staff “required to regularly kill healthy and treatable cats and kittens” [1].

Importantly, the authors point out “the absence of evidence-based studies” demonstrating the effectiveness of the traditional approach. This stands in stark contrast to targeted sterilization efforts—especially in low-income areas—which have resulted in fewer shelter impoundments and euthanasia, as well as greater collaboration between animal service staff and residents.

“Shifting from punitive measures to collaborative, community-driven strategies is crucial for managing free-roaming cats in a way that benefits animals, people, and the broader community, while protecting wildlife.”

The arguments made by these researchers echo those of others pointing out the negative consequences of lethal removal efforts [2] and of “punishment-oriented approaches” to animal services more generally [3].

See related Issue Briefs:

• What to do with feral cats: Examining TNR for population management

• Feral cat feeding bans: The reasoning, risks, and results

References

1. Cotterell, J.; Rand, J.; Scotney, R. Rethinking Urban Cat Management—Limitations and Unintended Consequences of Traditional Cat Management. Animals 2025, 15, 1005.

2. Wolf, P.J.; Weedon, G.R. An Inconvenient Truth: Targeted TNR Enjoys a Track Record Unmatched by Lethal Methods for Managing Free-Roaming Cats. Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2023, 2.

3. Hawes, S.M.; Hupe, T.; Morris, K.N. Punishment to Support: The Need to Align Animal Control Enforcement with the Human Social Justice Movement. Animals 2020, 10.