In a first in the realm of spay and neuter programs for dogs and cats, scientists announced they’ve created a one-shot contraceptive for female felines, which eliminates the need for a traditional surgical spaying.

The shot formula involves inserting a hormone gene into an adeno-associated virus commonly used in gene therapy to transport the replacement genes into the cats’ cells. The shot is injected into the thigh muscle. Researchers said they’re not sure how, exactly, it works — whether via a mechanism in the cats’ follicles or something else — but, so far, in almost two years they’ve had no pregnancies.

In fact, in some cases the felines simply refused to mate. Research is being continued to see if gene therapy also works in dogs.

SOURCES:

Science June 6, 2023

Nature June 6, 2023