Research in Human-Animal Interaction
Zasloff, R. L., and L. A. Hart.
Anthrozoos, v. 11, p. 242-248, 1998.
Persons maintaining colonies of homeless, stray cats on the island of Oahu were surveyed for attitudes and care practices associated with colony maintenance. The 75 respondents were primarily female pet owners, middle-aged, living with spouses, well-educated, and employed full time, dispelling the image of caretakers as elderly, socially-isolated individuals. Most believed that outdoor cat colonies should continue and that colony maintenance is a way of curbing pet overpopulation so long as the cats are sterilized. Most respondents had been maintaining cat colonies for 2 to 4 years. All caretakers reported having attempted to socialize the cats and nearly half had been successful in homing cats. Most were caring for one colony of fewer than 10 animals which were fed once or twice daily. All caretakers tried to trap the cats and take them for sterilization and veterinary care. Although many took advantage of the Hawaiian Humane Society's free sterilization programme for colony cats, some caretakers paid for sterilization and more than half reported paying for all veterinary care. Love of cats, opportunity for nurturing, and improved feelings of self-esteem appear to be some of the factors underlying the remarkable commitment of the caretakers. Colony management may not be practical in some areas due to risks to wildlife and human health. However, where feasible, the availability of individuals willing to provide responsible care to these animals may be a significant resource for animal welfare and control organizations