The management of free-roaming cat (Felis catus) populations is a complex eco-sociological dilemma. Cats with outdoor access pose significant threats to wildlife through direct predation and indirect effects, leading some conservationists to advocate for stringent control measures, including lethal methods for managing unowned cat populations. However, public sentiment, alongside evidence that lethal methods often lack long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness, often supports the adoption of non-lethal methods, such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). In certain European countries, TNR is the only legally permissible method. Despite its widespread adoption, a limited understanding of cat population dynamics, combined with inadequate planning and resource allocation, can lead to ineffective outcomes, potentially exacerbating the growth of cat populations. We used the free-roaming cat population (both unowned and owned cats) on Linosa —a small Mediterranean island of high biodiversity importance —as a case study. Census data were collected over three consecutive years, and a Bayesian statistical model was developed to estimate population dynamics and assess the varying impacts of neutering efforts over time, extending the analysis to 60 months beyond the latest census. The model also evaluated different budget scenarios based on the intensity of neutering efforts applied. The model highlighted the importance of high-frequency, female-focused neutering efforts to achieve long-term population control and cost efficiency. Additionally, it demonstrated that in our study population, such intensive efforts improved the precision of population estimates, thereby reducing uncertainty in management outcomes. To translate the model to an accessible tool to conservation planners, animal welfare organizations, and policymakers, we developed an interactive and user-friendly dashboard, available at https://bgtemp.wixsite.com/catspva. This tool allows users to customize scenarios by inputting initial estimates of the free-roaming cat population and its characteristics. We believe this interactive and practical approach provides an essential framework for planning and implementing neutering campaigns of free-roaming cats, helping decision-makers to address this urgent issue in a timely and cost-effective manner.