Intersectoral articulation for population management strategies offree-roaming colony cats in Curitiba, Brazil

Abstract

Colony, free-roaming, or feral cats are classifications of domestic cats capable of living and reproducing in the wild. Managing these populations is fundamental to controlling zoonoses, especially sporotrichosis, and must be structured on a legal, ethical, and animal welfare basis. This study is part of a research project to develop a protocol for controlling sporotrichosis in free-roaming cats and reports on ethical population control interventions in a cat colony. It also examines the intersectoral coordination between the Federal University of Paraná Collective Veterinary Center (MVC-UFPR Center), representing the first sector of the economy, the Paranaense Energy Company (COPEL), representing the second sector, and an independent protectors group, representing the third sector. Three trap, neuter, and return (TNR) actions were carried out between May and October 2023, trapping 16 animals, neutering 12, returning 9, and adopting four animals. A SWOT analysis evaluated the intersectoral coordination efforts’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for free roaming cat population management. The shared commitment of stakeholders emerged as a strength, while the lack of regular meetings and bureaucratic hurdles were identified as weaknesses. Opportunities for improvement include enhancing collaboration and increasing the frequency of actions. However, the lack of public policy addressing feline population management poses a significant threat.