DISEASE IN STRAY & FERAL ANIMALS

Neutering to prevent disease
Neutered animals will be in better condition and therefore healthier than entire animals which is another good reason to neuter as many animals as possible.
Neutered males fight less and are therefore less likely to suffer from bite wounds or be involved in road traffic accidents.
Neutered cats are less likely to be exposed to and spread Feline Leukaemia (FeLV) and Feline Aids (FIV).

Diseased animals

Ill animals may need to be confined so that treatment can be given. If the animal involved is old and/or feral, then you will need to consider the mental stress to the animal, the cost of treatment, the difficulties of giving nursing care and the likelihood of recovery. In discussion with your veterinarian, you may decide that it is not in the best interest of this particular animal to be treated but to consider euthanasia instead.

Special considerations for feral cats
Special conditions apply to the neutering of feral cats, because of the difficulty of re-trapping them if they need to be seen again.
Everything needs to be done at the same time: surgery, ear-tipping and treatment of any additional disease, dentistry problems and/or wounds. Ideally endo and ectoparasite treatment and vaccination should be considered as well. The vet must also be prepared to carry out euthanasia in some cases.

Useful advice on diseases in cats can be found on the International Cat Care website: www.icatcare.org

Useful advice on diseases in dogs can be found on the Dog’s Trust website under dog A-Z: www.dogstrust.org.uk

“If the animal involved is old and/or feral, you need to consider the stress to the animal, the cost of treatment, the difficulties of giving nursing care and the likelihood of recovery.”

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

Advice
SNIP International was founded in 1996, and ever since, we have accumulated our knowledge base on animal welfare and on TNR. The small but dedicated team of SNIPi volunteer trustees are all experts in their fields, willing to transmit their knowledge for the benefit of animals.

We have gathered a lot of practical advice in our FAQ section, with links to sources of further information. If needed, you can contact us for non-urgent advice, and the SNIPi team members will reply to you within their possibilities (time constraints).

Connections
Having worked with animal welfare groups all over the world for a long time, we know many of them. Please check FAQ / Useful links and if necessary, contact us by email.

TNR Grants
Between 1996 and 2024, SNIP International distributed over 2,300 pieces of equipment to 96 countries, benefiting 681 animal welfare groups worldwide.

SNIP International is no longer donating equipment but is now giving out monetary grants to animal welfare organisations to help them in their TNR efforts outside the United Kingdom. Animal welfare organisations can apply for grants worth £ 2,000 each. The next application deadline is 30 September 2025.

For more information, please visit our grant page