Non-surgical Cat Neutering: Groundbreaking Method by US Scientists
New Scientific Study Shows Promising Results for Non-Surgical Neutering of Cats
June 6 – A group of scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital and Horae Gene Therapy Center, in collaboration with the Cincinnati Zoo, has recently made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of non-surgical neutering of cats. The joint scientific study unveiled the effectiveness of a single dose of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) gene therapy in providing long-term birth control for female cats.
The researchers described this scientific breakthrough as a significant milestone in the effort to control the stray cat population. According to their statement, there are currently between 30 and 80 million stray cats in the United States alone, many of which face euthanasia in shelters after enduring a stressful existence.
The motivation behind this study stems from the lack of permanent sterilization options for pets, aside from surgical sterilization. In order to address this gap, the team of scientists explored the potential of AMH gene therapy as a non-surgical alternative.
During the study, three female cats were left untreated, while six others received a single dose of AMH therapy. The results were astounding, with none of the cats who received the AMH therapy becoming pregnant. Further analysis revealed that the injected AMH gene caused AMH production in muscles outside of the ovaries, leading to a 100-fold increase in the cats’ overall AMH levels.
To thoroughly evaluate the safety and long-term effects of the therapy, two separate breeding trials were conducted one and two years after the initial treatment. Astonishingly, all three cats that did not receive the therapy gave birth to kittens, while the six cats who received the AMH therapy remained pregnancy-free.
Perhaps most promising is the fact that the cats undergoing the therapy have been under observation for over three years, during which they underwent regular physical examinations, abdominal ultrasounds, and blood work. No side effects were observed in any of the cats receiving the therapy, indicating that the gene therapy was safe and well-tolerated at the tested doses.
The findings of this study are not only significant in terms of providing a non-surgical method of birth control for cats, but also offer hope for the millions of stray cats around the world. Further research and development based on these results could potentially revolutionize pet population control, reducing the number of animals suffering in shelters and ensuring a healthier environment for both cats and humans.
The scientists involved in this study will continue their research to further refine the AMH gene therapy technique and explore its applicability in other species. With further advancements, non-surgical neutering could become a standard practice in animal welfare, leading to significant improvements in the lives of both domesticated and stray cats.
