The problem: A significant number of feral, stray and unneutered cats freely roam the University of Pretoria (UP) campuses and residences, and they breed rapidly! Doing nothing and/or using ineffective approaches has worsened the overpopulation problem. Trying to re-home all the feral cats on our campuses is impossible given their numbers and limited socialisation, and removing or relocating them would simply invite new unneutered cats to move in, with the cycle of reproduction starting again.

The UP solution: Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the only method proven to be humane and effective in controlling free-roaming cat population growth. TNR is about:

• Population control and permanently reducing the number of cats in an area.
• Keeping cats out of shelters, thereby lowering euthanasia rates.
• Reducing the spread of disease.
• Helping cats stay spayed/ neutered and maintaining their territory, thus discouraging new cats from moving in.

UP uses the TNR method to manage the feral cat population on our campuses. 

The TNR process:

1. TRAP
   • After adequate preparation, humane traps are used to capture free-roaming cats safely.
2. NEUTER
   • The captured cats are taken to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered. Typically, TNR programmes also include vaccinations to prevent diseases.
   • Tipping is the universal sign of a neutered feral cat. The procedure involves removing about one cm of the tip of the cat’s ear under anaesthesia.
3. RETURN
   • After recovery from surgery, feral cats are returned to their original outdoor home. They are supplied with continued care, including food and fresh water. No additional food should be given by people who are not part of the UP feeding project, because this may lead to overfeeding and other problematic behaviour. 

What’s the difference?

• Stray cat: A cat that has been socialised with people and may be lost or abandoned. 
• Feral cat: A cat that has lived without human socialisation, making them unlikely to be adoptable.

UP’s TNR project is managed and overseen by Ilze Ueckermann, Sustainability Specialist in the Department Facilities Management, +27 (0)12 420 2046, [email protected]. Room 3-86, Technical Services Building, Hatfield Campus.