August 2012 by Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM

Audience: Executive Leadership, Foster Caregivers, Public, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team

Video Length: 30 minutes

While innovative strategies are saving lives across the country, euthanasia rates for stray and feral cats remain stubbornly high in many communities. This presentation, given by Dr. Julie Levy at the 2012 Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Conference, will explore the magnitude of the community cat population problem and redefine definitions for "home" and "rescue". Data will be presented from a novel and bold program that cut shelter cat intake dramatically and almost overnight, preventing the tragic deaths of thousands of shelter cats.

Learning objectives:

  • Learn how to estimate community cat populations
  • Recognize the impacts of community cat management programs on cat colonies and animal shelters
  • Identify strategies for getting communities - including municipal government - on board with trap-neuter-return programs.

After viewing the presentation, click here to take the quiz and receive a Certificate of Attendance!

Bio photo of Dr. Julie Levy, smiling and holding three cats

About Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM

Dr. Julie Levy is director of Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida. The program provides comprehensive training for veterinary students and shelter medicine specialists, shelter consultations, disease outbreak investigations, continuing education, and research to solve the problems confronting animal shelters. Dr. Levy's research and clinical interests center on feline infectious diseases, neonatal kitten health, humane alternatives for cat population control, and immunocontraceptive vaccines for cats. Dr. Levy's accomplishments include publication of more than 100 journal articles and textbook chapters.