How WUR students tackled a social dilemma on free-domestic cats in Wageningen

The social and ecological challenge

The Master’s WUR students—Jenna, Sabīne, Davine, Noa, Elina, and Mila—took on this social and ecological challenge as part of their Academic Consultancy Training (ACT) project. Local political party D66 asked them to dive into the problem and help come up with a fair, practical approach. What began as an academic consultancy project soon became a deep dive into one of Wageningen’s ongoing social challenges—how to balance the joys of cat ownership with the city’s responsibility to protect biodiversity and maintain peaceful neighborhoods.

Free-roaming domestic cats often live at the intersection of homes and nature, but their presence can create challenges. Cats, after all, are natural hunters. In a town surrounded by nature reserves and green pockets, their instinct to chase birds and small mammals isn’t just playful—it’s ecological. Concerns are growing nationally about declining bird populations and disrupted habitats. It is estimated that every year in the Netherlands 141.5 million animals are killed by domestic cats (Knol, 2015; Trouwborst & Somsen, 2020).

Free roaming cats also have a higher risk of getting lost. In the Netherlands, more than 60,000 cats are reported missing every year (Ministerie van LNV, 2023). This affects the welfare of both cats and their owners and costs municipalities and shelters approximately €4.8 million per year (Ministerie van LNV, 2023). At the same time, some residents were voicing concerns about messes in their gardens, nighttime yowls, and the clash of roaming tomcats with beloved indoor pets. Moreover, free-roaming cats tend to have a higher disease burden compared to indoor-only cats. However, cats also have their defenders: people who see them as part of the landscape, independent spirits that enrich community life.

Practical recommendations for cat management

To address these diverse issues, the multidisciplinary student group engaged with the community and local policymakers. They reviewed scientific studies on biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, and policy frameworks, and conducted interviews with residents, animal welfare groups, and policy makers to gather diverse perspectives. Based on their analysis, the team developed practical recommendations for the commissioner. Key suggestions included public education campaigns about responsible pet ownership and community citizen forums to continue the dialogue. They also recommended supporting large-scale spay/neuter and microchipping programs for cats.

Thanks to their work, the city of Wageningen now has a richer understanding of the issue—and a path forward. Their recommendations have already been discussed in City Council and will enrich the Biodiversity Plans of Wageningen.

“The ACT team helped us clearly define and understand the issue,” said Gerwin Beukhof, supporting member of D66 Wageningen. “They gave us insight into different perspectives and guidance in a sometimes controversial debate.”

Science-based value for society

The project - “Social debate on free-roaming domestic cats in Wageningen and their impact on nuisance and nature damage” - received the Academic Consultancy Training Award 2025 at the beginning of May. The Academic Consultancy Training (ACT) Award is an annual prize celebrating the student team that was best able to create science-based value for society through interdisciplinary consultancy work. Moreover, this student project also contributes to the Learning Ecosystem of Wageningen that aims to stimulate the acceleration of solutions to societal challenges within Wageningen region.

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