A Survey of Attitudes of Local Citizens of a Residential Area Toward Urban Stray Cats in Japan

Abstract

This study surveyed the attitudes of local residents living in an urban area in Japan toward stray cats. An anonymous questionnaire asked local residents (359 houses) about their attitudes toward stray cats. Responses were received from126 houses (35%). Answers about nuisance, respondents' actions, and actions to be taken with regard to stray cats did not differ by place or type of residence of respondents. More than one third (36.7 ± 16.6%) of the respondents answered that the “bad smell of the feces and urine” was a nuisance. Respondents who lived in detached houses tended to like cats compared with those who lived in condominiums. Respondents who liked cats took care of cats more frequently, whereas those who disliked cats chased cats away and prevented their intrusion into their houses and land. However, it is noteworthy that one third or more (minimum value: 37.8%) of respondents of all kinds answered that neutering is one effective way to suppress the population of stray cats.

Keywords::

• domestic cats
• feral cat management
• public attitudes
• TNR program

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was partially supported by a research project grant awarded by Azabu University. We acknowledge that this survey was made possible through the support of the staff, especially Rie Iikawa, of the Environmental Sanitation Section, Health Sanitation Division, Kanagawa Ward, City of Yokohama, Japan.