A new development in feline contraception has been unveiled by researchers in the US. 

Scientists have shown that a single-dose injection can enable birth control for female domestic cats.

The injection uses gene therapy to administer a specific hormone known for its ability to inhibit the maturation of ovarian follicles in mice.

In a proof-of-concept study involving nine sexually mature female cats, the research team successfully prevented pregnancy in six cats that received the gene therapy injection, while three control cats became pregnant. 

Remarkably, the contraceptive effect persisted for at least two years without any reported adverse reactions.

This breakthrough has significant implications for population control, as approximately 80% of the estimated 600 million domestic cats worldwide are stray. 

Stray cats face numerous challenges, including poor welfare conditions and their detrimental impact on wildlife through hunting. 

However, current methods of population control, such as surgical sterilisation, have limitations and ethical concerns.

The gene therapy injection presents an alternative that is less invasive and more cost-effective. 

By targeting breeding-induced ovulation, this approach offers the potential for lifelong contraception in both household and free-roaming female cats. 

More details are accessible here.