Analyzing approaches to feral cat management--one size does not fit all.

ow to best solve the diverse issues related to feral cats is a complex question with many facets. Each facet reflects large gaps in our knowledge and understanding. Felid biology; global, regional, and local ecology ; human psychology; sociology; economics; and theology are all examples of branches of learning that can contribute knowledge toward finding acceptable solutions to feral cat problems. Unfortunately, our understanding of any one of these disciplines is incomplete , particularly with regard to specific knowledge relevant to feral cats. Making informed decisions is therefore difficult at best. Discussions about feral cats often become emotionally charged, even when the discussion is among individuals with similar backgrounds. Perceptions based on personal experiences rapidly substitute for missing objective data, and interpretations of options become increasingly monochromatic. Over the years, I have been expounding to students a general rule based on my observations of scientific debate. The " Rule of Inverse Vehemence " states that the vehemence with which proponents of opposing views argue their points is inversely proportional to the quality of data available to support their positions. In other words, highly charged polemic disagreements are often fueled by insufficient, reliable, objectively collected, and properly analyzed data to support a unified position. My graduate student, Dr. Felicia Nutter, had the opportunity to experience discussions held by groups with very different perspectives on feral cat issues during the time she was formulating her graduate studies proposal, and that brought feral cats to my attention as a subject of scientific inquiry. Familiar with my " Rule of Inverse Vehemence, " Dr. Nutter proposed that the application of well-established wildlife biology research techniques to the study of feral cats could supply knowledge that may help reduce discord between respected colleagues. She pursued this question, and that is why I am speaking with you today. A review of the existing literature suggested that the " Rule of Inverse Vehemence " might apply. Although much has been written about feral cats, most reports are based on observations or extrapolations that do not follow well-established rules of scientific inquiry. Diary entries observing a single cat would be extrapolated by simple multiplication into the world or US population of cats—estimations that seriously defied accuracy in our experience. Reliably estimating populations of any animal, even on much smaller scales (counties and municipalities), requires carefully designed sampling studies. We frequently encountered multiple-fold differences in statistics in the popular …