Bioeconomic analysis of free-roaming cat population management using a long-acting contraceptive

An interdisciplinary expert team convened by the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D) used computer simulation modeling to evaluate and compare different strategies for managing free-roaming cat (FRC) populations. The goal was to generate insights that could support decision-making about how to approach population management in a more impactful way. This work generated three peer reviewed publications (Miller et al., 2014; Boone et al., 2019; Benka et al., 2022). For more info about our work in this area, visit Population Modeling.

One question that motivated this project was whether a temporary contraceptive for cats (specifically GonaCon) could offer advantages over traditional surgical spay/neuter for FRC population management. Results from ACC&D simulations and a subsequent field study suggested that GonaCon is not likely to be a useful FRC management tool with its current efficacy profile. To better quantify necessary improvements, the ACC&D-convened team performed additional simulations, and results are presented here.