Working towards a society free from the euthanasia of cats
Sakura Neko: What is TNR?
The goal of this activity is to achieve zero euthanasia of cats.
The Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Animal Action Fund is carrying out an activity, with the aim of achieving zero euthanasia of cats, in collaboration with local governments, organizations, individuals and veterinary surgeons.
The key players in this activity are the volunteer groups and individuals active in the local community, as well as veterinary surgeons.
Without their cooperation, it would be impossible to achieve the goal of this activity.
The following is an extract from the Sakura Neko website.
Reference: The Animal Action fund – SASKURA NEKO (2022/11/08) [Translate by this site]
“At the Animal Action Fund, we believe that spaying and neutering as many cats as possible is the most effective way to achieve zero euthanasia.
We therefore work in cooperation with veterinary surgeons, local governments, and volunteers across the country to carry out the Sakura Neko Free Spaying and Neutering Program.
The Sakura Neko Free Spaying and Neutering Program is an initiative designed to support local governments and volunteers who seek to resolve the issue of stray cats through spaying and neutering (TNR) rather than euthanasia.”
https://sakuraneko-tnr.doubutukikin.or.jp
TRN is an acronym formed from the initial letters of Trap (capture), Neuter (sterilization), and Return (return to the original location).
Trap: To capture
- Take care to ensure the cat does not get injured.
- Attach a note stating contact details, the purpose of the capture, etc.
- Do not leave the area whilst the trap is set.
- Once the cat enters the trap, promptly wrap the entire trap in a cloth to reassure the cat.Our first family pet
Capturing a cat can be a source of significant stress for them.
It is therefore important to minimize the cat’s distress as much as possible and carry out the process safely.
Neuter: Refers to spaying or neutering
- Spaying or neutering surgery reduces the frequency of urine marking, loud vocalizations during the oestrus cycle, and fights between cats.
- It is generally recommended that cats be spayed or neutered before their first heat cycle. This is because having the surgery early reduces the risk of illness.
- A ‘V-cut’ is made at the tip of the cat’s ear as a mark to indicate that it has been spayed or neutered.
(It is necessary to apply a mark that is immediately recognizable to prevent a cat that has already been spayed or neutered from being caught repeatedly in a trap, anesthetized and having its abdomen opened, simply because the procedure is not visually apparent.) - As the cat is under general anesthesia, it feels no pain. There is also very little bleeding.
- Because the V-shaped cut in the ear resembles a cherry blossom petal, these cats are known as ‘Sakura cats’.
- In some cases, kittens that are not yet ready for surgery may be taken into care whilst a suitable foster home is sought.
Return: Returning the cat to its original territory
- Cat volunteers should monitor the cat’s surgical recovery for half a day to one day.
- Cats have their own territories. Returning a cat to its original territory helps prevent other new cats from moving in.
- Forcing cats that have lived as strays into rescue can cause them stress and may even lead to illness. Cats capable of surviving as adults are returned to their original territories.
- Practicing appropriate feeding methods (do not simply leave food out, wait until the cat has finished eating, and then clear up and clean the area) and keeping an eye on the cats in the local area helps to monitor fluctuations in the cat population, which in turn contributes to the long-term sustainability of population control.
- If there are any cats that have been missed during trapping, or if new cats appear, they should be caught promptly and TNR carried out.
For cats capable of surviving as adults in that area, the approach is to allow them to live in their original territory while controlling their reproduction through TNR.
Towards a society free from euthanasia
There are limits to what any one person can achieve alone when it comes to reducing the number of cats euthanized and ultimately aiming for ‘zero euthanasia’.
Local government, veterinary surgeons, voluntary organizations, individuals active in the community, and local residents. It is essential that people from a variety of backgrounds work together and fulfil their respective roles.
TNR is one way of achieving this.
To create a society where as many cats as possible can live in an environment that is as peaceful as possible for them, without losing their lives.
We believe that these continuous efforts will lead to a society free from cat euthanasia.
(In Japanese) ANIMAL ACTION FUND / The steering body for Sakura Cat free spaying and neutering
https://sakuraneko-tnr.doubutukikin.or.jp
(In Japanese) ANIMAL ACTION FUND}
https://www.doubutukikin.or.jp/activity/campaign/story/
Thanks
2022/11/14