A new study highlights a potential alternative to surgery for controlling stray cat populations. The method uses gene therapy to deliver a contraceptive shot that interferes with egg follicle development in the ovaries. The treatment, which prevents pregnancy for at least two years, was tested on six female cats and has shown initial promise. The therapy was meticulously tracked through careful analysis of fecal samples and mating behaviour video footage. While further studies are needed to confirm the treatment’s efficacy over a cat’s lifetime, it could potentially eliminate the need for veterinary surgery. The treatment could be applied in the field with an injection, making it easier to implement in communities lacking the resources for spay and neuter campaigns. Gene therapy may also have future applications in women’s health as an earlier, follicle-blocking contraceptive method for those unable to take typical birth control pills. Future research will explore the treatment’s potential for dogs and kittens as well.
