CATraception
Megestrol Acetate (MA) can be used to safely contracept cats for a short period of time.
Hypothesis: Using MA to suppress estrus in cats for a short period of time will mean fewer births of kittens, and the cats in the colony will remain healthy.
Depopulation Strategy: Short term use of MA in an area without access to a veterinarian, until the veterinary MASH unit can be deployed to surgical sterilize the population, is the most effective use of resources and an appropriate humane animal management strategy.
Currently: Animal Balance is offering microdoses of MA to the feeders of cats on Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands.
Cost: MA costs $20 to produce 100 tablets at a compounder. 1.1 mg is put into the cats good once a week.
Timing: We do not recommend doing this for longer than 6 months. It is a stop gap measure until the vet tram can be on site.
If you are interested in contracepting your cats until a vet team arrives, please email clifford@animalbalance.org
Click here for the instructional PowerPoint by Mike Greenberg DVM
Other sources of information:
Alliance for the contraception in cats and dogs -
https://www.acc-d.org/resources/position-statement-ma
Alley Cat Allies –
https://www.alleycat.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/MA-final.pdf