[This story is the first in a regular series about the breadth of University of Guelph research, written by participants in a program called Students Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge (SPARK). The multi-award program, housed in the Office of Research, trains students in journalistic writing and connects them with researchers who work with the students to produce stories with broad appeal. SPARK began 27 years ago with two writers from The Ontarion, working with Research Communications director and journalist Owen Roberts. He continues to administer the program, with manager Liz Snyder.]
The plunging temperatures we’ve been experiencing make outdoor life tough on every living thing, pets included.
But it’s even worse for homeless animals. These creatures—especially cats—are appearing with increasing frequency in Guelph.
In recent years, the Guelph Humane Society has taken about 1,200 homeless cats annually into its facility. It’s estimated, however, that there’s nearly 10 times that number wandering the streets and neighbourhoods.
University of Guelph researchers Dr. Olaf Berke and MSc student Natasha Janke are trying to figure out why at the cat situation in particular is so out of hand.
“Before we can find a solution, we have to determine the extent of the problem,” says Berke.
Guelph’s homeless cat population not only includes animals surrendered to the shelter, but also feral cats (those born and living in the wild). Such animals pose environmental, public health and animal welfare issues.
For example, species such as songbirds, goldfinches and chipmunks suffer from increased cat populations. Also, the threat of being bitten or scratched, as well as young children coming into contact with cat feces, is a public concern.
The cats themselves are at risk for disease and starvation, and may suffer or freeze to death during harsh weather like the kind we’re experiencing now.
In shelters, about half of the cats are reunited with their owners or adopted into new homes. But many of those left behind are euthanized due to poor health, which can be worsened or brought upon by living in a crowded shelter.
“Our companion animals seem to have a higher value in our lives than ever before,” says Berke, “yet some people still neglect them.”
To find out why there are so many cats in comparison to willing owners, Berke is collaborating with Drs. Jason Coe and Tyler Flockhart, who interviewed people who adopted or surrendered their pets. Coe and Flockhart are also looking into estimating the homeless cat population.
Berke will be analyzing when cats are coming into the shelter, to understand if there are certain trends or seasonal swings. He also hopes to contact trap-neuter-return (TNR) groups, who vaccinate and neuter feral cats. This will give Berke an idea of the size of the cat population living outside of the shelter.
The team plans to use this research to help educate the public and teach owners how to properly care for their animals, which includes getting their pets spayed or neutered as well as implanting an ID microchip.
“Our research is a tiny puzzle piece in the bigger picture,” says Berke. “The problem of cat overpopulation is a global issue, but with this research, we’re getting one step closer to a solution for Guelph.”
This research is supported by the Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust Fund.