Abstract
Humane management of stray cats involves trapping, neutering, and returning them to their original locations. Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) efforts have been reported help control populations of stray cats. In this study, we conducted a questionnaire-based survey on the attitudes of university students in the animal care field and the general public toward stray cat trapping and TNR activities. The questionnaire was based on items used in a United States survey, and the survey results were compared between Japan and the United States, as well as regarding the subjects’ demographics, with the objective to clarify differences in awareness. Compared with the United States survey, Japanese respondents showed higher awareness of and willingness to participate in TNR activities, suggesting the effects of social factors. In addition, compared to the general public, university students involved in veterinary nursing were less aware of TNR activities. The gender and age of the respondents appeared to influence the level of awareness.
