Mumbai Sees 81.26% Stray Cat Sterilisation Success Rate in Versova

The Feline Foundation (TFF), a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to feline care and population management, has successfully completed an End-Term Cat Survey in Versova on March 15, assessing the impact of its high-volume sterilisation also called Animal Birth Control (ABC) for stray cats.

Having conducted 2000+ sterilizations in Versova over the last two years, the organisation conducted an on-foot cat census to record the percentage of sterilised cats. During the survey, 40 staff, volunteers and community members counted a total of 1761 community cats, over the span of 4 hours. The survey yielded an impressive 81.26% sterilisation rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of sustained, humane, and targeted sterilisation efforts.

A Major Step in Sustainable Stray Cat Management

The data collected highlights a significant milestone in TFF’s mission to stabilize the community cat population using the Trap Neuter Return (TNR) method, which involves picking up cats from their territory, neutering them and returning them to the area they are from. This ensures fewer litters, reduced suffering, and improved coexistence between strays and urban residents.

Why This Matters for Mumbai

With Mumbai’s ever-growing stray cat population, consistent sterilization programs help prevent overpopulation, reduce territorial fights, and decrease disease transmission among felines. This survey is a testament to the success of TFF’s collaborative efforts with animal feeders, volunteers, and community members who work together to carry out community cat TNR initiatives.

Next Steps & Continued Efforts

Given the success of its Versova initiative, The Feline Foundation has expanded its high impact TNR initiatives to several other areas of Andheri West including - 4 Bungalows, Mhada, DN Nagar and Kapaswadi. The organisation hopes to complete the sterilization of all cats within Andheri by 2028 and has set its sights on implementing its TNR policies across Mumbai. They seek further community support and funding to sustain these initiatives.