Domestic cats that roam free in the wild pose a known threat to global biodiversity. Cats have already caused the extinction of 33 species, and they continue to harm a diverse range of animals and numerous other species, including those that are endangered.
Sure, we all love our cats, but free-roaming outdoor cats are quite a major threat to wildlife. These non-native predators hunt billions of birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians annually. After being attacked by cats, wild animals possess low chances of survival are due to the severity of direct injuries and the highly infectious illnesses. Even with veterinarian treatment, survival rates are abysmal; without treatment, chances of recovery are nearly nil!
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, domestic cats are one of the world's worst non-native invasive species (IUCN). Numbering well over 100 million in the United States, cats are responsible for the deaths of an estimated 2.4 billion birds each year. It is a shocking truth that cat predation is the most significant source of direct, human-caused bird fatalities.
Cats (like domestic dogs) are not wild creatures and are not a natural component of the environment, despite their instinctual hunting activity. Their mere presence can cause additional stress, especially during the nesting season. Wild animals have been shown to avoid returning to their nests or dens for extended periods to prevent exposing their helpless young to predators.
Scarily, house cats are classified as "super predators" because they are an introduced predator -- meaning that humans brought them to an environment they did not originally belong to. They exist in unnaturally vast numbers, far greater than any natural predator, as humans continue to breed and sell them. Even more, they are prolific breeders, and many have a constant food source allowing them to survive in countless areas.
Not to mention, being outside isn’t healthy for a domestic cat. Outdoor cats, on average, live much less time than their indoor-only counterparts. According to a study by National Geographic and The University of Georgia, crossing roads, interacting with unusual cats, eating and drinking unknown substances, exploring storm drains, and visiting crawl areas of neighboring houses are among the most typical dangerous behaviors for suburban free-roaming cats.
If you have an outside cat, it’s also much more challenging to detect health issues early on (such as urinary tract disorder, renal failure owing to old age, heredity, or poisoning) before they become life-threatening. When a cat is sick or injured, its natural tendency is to hide in silence in order to protect themselves from predators. Worse, neutering, regular feeding, and engagement with owners had little effect on the roaming of pet cats, according to a review of 25 studies from ten nations.
The best course of action is clear. If you own a cat -- or any other predatorial pet (like a ferret) -- keep your pet inside. It’s a safety measure for both the wildlife and your precious animal companion. Inform your friends as well, as the danger of an outside cat is (worringly) not often discussed.
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Tiffani Pe
The Carbon Newsprint
A suggestion: Being outside for short periods of time is generally good for any cat/dog/person. Occasional fresh air and outdoor exercise is good for health.
Instead of locking animals indoors (there are of course health issues for being indoors too much as well), other options include watching and staying with your cat outside, or taking your pets outside with a leash (cats can be trained, but most people don't try because of harmful stereotypes). That way, they won't be roaming freely and killing birds. Thanks!