Urban Stray Cat Management Models in Comparison: Trap-Neuter-Return and Trap-Assess-Rehome

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-541-6_101How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Trap-Neuter-Return; Trap-Assess-Rehome; Animal Welfare; Urban Stray Cat Management; Public Acceptance

Abstract

As cities grow, the increasing stray cat population has caused several health and environmental problems, disrupting normal community functions. Stray cat management approaches have also evolved, with the primary methods being Trap-Neuter-Return and Trap-Assess-Rehome. Trap-Neuter-Return focuses on controlling offspring reproduction through sterilization, while Trap-Assess-Rehome reduces stray populations via shelter placement followed by adoption. This study employs case research methods to compare the operational models and influencing factors of both approaches, building upon a systematic literature review. Results indicate that Trap-Neuter-Return’s significant effectiveness relies on sustained, high-intensity spay/neuter efforts, while Trap-Assess-Rehome can rapidly reduce stray populations and promote socialization. Moreover, hybrid approaches and advanced technologies are increasingly integrated into current practices, though further exploration remains essential to enhance efficiency. Based on this, the present study argues that future research on urban stray cat management should prioritize adaptability to local contexts, the financial and technological sustainability of management practices, and ethical considerations.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Shihuang Wu
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/02/26
TI  - Urban Stray Cat Management Models in Comparison: Trap-Neuter-Return and Trap-Assess-Rehome
BT  - Proceedings of the 2025 5th International Conference on Culture, Design and Social Development (CDSD 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 916
EP  - 924
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-541-6_101
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-541-6_101
ID  - Wu2026
ER  -