Managing urban cat populations while protecting both cat welfare and wildlife requires evidence-based approaches to trap-neuter-return programmes and collaboration between stakeholders.
Urban cat management involves genuine welfare tensions. Feral cats often experience poor welfare including chronic stress, injuries, and disease, but removal and euthanasia programmes have largely failed as population management tools. TNR can improve individual cat welfare through veterinary care while gradually reducing numbers, but requires sustained commitment and community support. The welfare of wildlife predated by cats is a separate but legitimate concern that may warrant restrictions on outdoor access in biodiversity-sensitive areas.