The problem with domestic cats
06-27-2004, 11:15 PM
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Nontypical Buck
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The problem with domestic cats
Well, since I got sucked into a debate over on the young hunters forum, I thought I would post some info here on the effects of domestic cats on native wildlife.
This is about 90% of a document released from the University of Wisconsin wildlife department. Contact me if you would like further information on this topic.
How many cats are there in the United States?
The estimated numbers of pet cats in urban and rural regions of the United States have grown from 30 million in 1970 [2] to 60 million in 1990 [3]. These estimates are based on U.S. Census data and include only those cats that people claim to "own" as pets, not cats that are semi-wild or free-ranging. Nationwide, approximately 30% of households have cats. In rural areas where free-ranging cats are usually not regarded as pets, approximately 60% of households have cats. In the state of Wisconsin alone, with approximately 550,000 rural households, the number of rural free-ranging cats (not house pets) may be as high as 2 million [4]. The combined total of pets and free-ranging cats in the U.S. is probably more than 100 million. Because of their close association with humans, most of these cats are concentrated in areas where people live rather than in remote undeveloped areas.
The legal status of domestic cats
The laws that relate to domestic cats vary by local government. In most areas, the person who provides care for a cat is legally responsible for its welfare and control. As with other domestic animals, if ownership can be established by collars or other means of identification, a cat is considered personal property [5]. It is usually the responsibility of the owner to control the cat's movements. In most areas, cats can be live trapped and either returned to the owner or turned over to authorities if they wander onto other peoples' property. Many municipalities have leash laws and require vaccination and neutering of pet cats. Because laws vary, one should check local ordinances for the appropriate way to deal with stray cats.
What effects do domestic cats have on wildlife?
Although rural free-ranging cats have greater access to wild animals and undoubtedly take the greatest toll, even urban house pets take live prey when allowed outside. Extensive studies of the feeding habits of free-ranging domestic cats over 50 years and four continents [6] indicate that small mammals make up approximately 70% of these cats' prey while birds make up about 20%. The remaining 10% is a variety of other animals. The diets of free-ranging cat populations, however, reflect the food locally available.
Observation of free-ranging domestic cats shows that some individuals can kill over 1000 wild animals per year [7], although smaller numbers are more typical. Some of the data on kills suggest that free-ranging cats living in small towns kill an average of 14 wild animals each per year. Rural cats kill many more wild animals than do urban, or suburban cats [8]. Several studies found that up to 90% of free-ranging rural cats' diet was wild animals, and less than 10% of rural cats killed no wild animals [9]. Recent research [10] suggests that rural free-ranging domestic cats in Wisconsin may be killing between 8 and 217 million birds each year. The most reasonable estimates indicate that 39 million birds are killed in the state each year. Nationwide, rural cats probably kill over a billion small mammals and hundreds of millions of birds each year. Urban and suburban cats add to this toll. Some of these kills are house mice, rats and other species considered pests, but many are native songbirds and mammals whose populations are already stressed by other factors, such as habitat destruction and pesticide pollution.
Despite the difficulties in showing the effect most predators have on their prey, cats are known to have serious impacts on small mammals and birds. Worldwide, cats may have been involved in the extinction of more bird species than any other cause, except habitat destruction. Cats are contributing to the endangerment of populations of birds such as Least Terns, Piping Plovers and Loggerhead Shrikes. In Florida, marsh rabbits in Key West have been threatened by predation from domestic cats [11]. Cats introduced by people living on the barrier islands of Florida's coast have depleted several unique species of mice and woodrats to near extinction [12, 13].
Not only do cats prey on many small mammals and birds, but they can outnumber and compete with native predators. Domestic cats eat many of the same animals that native predators do. When present in large numbers, cats can reduce the availability of prey for native predators, such as hawks [14] and weasels [15].
Free-ranging domestic cats may also transmit new diseases to wild animals. Domestic cats have spread feline leukemia virus to mountain lions [16] and may have recently infected the endangered Florida Panther with feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) and an immune deficiency disease [17]. These diseases may pose a serious threat to this rare species. Some free-ranging domestic cats also carry several diseases that are easily transmitted to humans, including rabies and toxoplasmosis [18].
Domestic cats vs. native predators
Although cats make affectionate pets, many domestic cats hunt as effectively as wild predators. However, they differ from wild predators in three important ways: First, people protect cats from disease, predation and competition, factors that can control numbers of wild predators, such as bobcats, foxes, or coyotes. Second, they often have a dependable supply of supplemental food provided by humans and are, therefore, not influenced by changes in populations of prey. Whereas populations of native predators will decline when prey becomes scarce, cats receiving food subsidies from people remain abundant and continue to hunt even rare species. Third, unlike many native predators, cat densities are either poorly limited or not limited by territoriality [19]. These three factors allow domestic cats to exist at much higher densities than native predators. In some parts of rural Wisconsin, densities of free-ranging cats reach 114 cats per square mile. In these areas, cats are several times more abundant than all mid-sized native predators (such as foxes, raccoons, skunks) combined. With abundant food, densities can reach over 9 per acre, and cats often form large feeding and breeding "colonies" (81 cats were recorded in one colony, and colonies of over 20 are not uncommon) [20, 21]. Unlike some predators, a cat's desire to hunt is not suppressed by adequate supplemental food. Even when fed regularly by people, a cat's motivation to hunt remains strong, so it continues hunting [22].
In summary
Free-ranging cats are abundant and widespread predators. They often exist at much higher densities than native predators. They prey on large numbers of wild animals, some of which are rare or endangered. They compete with native predators, and they harbor a variety of diseases. Yet, cats are popular pets. In order to have and care for our pets--and still protect our native wildlife--we must make an effort to limit in a humane manner the adverse effects free-ranging cats can have on wildlife.
What you can do
Keep only as many pet cats as you can feed and care for. Controlling reproduction and humanely euthanizing unwanted cats will keep cat populations from growing beyond the size that can be adequately cared for. On farms, keep only the minimum number of free-ranging cats needed to control rodents. Well-fed, neutered females will stay closest to farm buildings and do most of their killing where rodent control is needed most. Traps and rodenticides, as well as rodent-proof storage and construction, will usually contribute more to effective rodent control than cats.
If at all possible, for the sake of your cat and local wildlife, keep your cat indoors. Confinement will eliminate unwanted reproduction, predation on wild animals, and the spread of disease. Bells are mostly ineffective in preventing predation [23] because, even if the bell rings, it's usually too late for the prey being stalked. Declawing may reduce hunting success, but many declawed cats are still effective predators. Keeping your cats indoors helps protect the wildlife around your yard and prevents your cat from picking up diseases from strays or getting injured. The two most common causes of death for rural cats in south central Wisconsin are disease and being struck by automobiles. If cats must be allowed outdoors, consider using a fenced enclosure or runway.
Neuter your cats or prevent them from breeding, and encourage others to do so. Support or initiate efforts to require licensing and neutering of pets. In areas where such laws already exist, insist that they be enforced. For information on local licensing and neutering laws, contact your local health department or humane society.
Locate bird feeders in sites that do not provide cover for cats to wait in ambush for birds. Cats are a significant source of mortality among birds that come to feeders [24]. To prevent cats from climbing to bird nests, put animal guards around any trees in your yard that may have nesting birds.
Don't dispose of unwanted cats by releasing them in rural areas. This practice enlarges rural cat populations and is an inhumane way of dealing with unwanted cats. Cats suffer in an unfamiliar setting, even if they are good predators. Contact your local animal welfare organization for help.
Eliminate sources of food, such as garbage or outdoor pet food dishes, that attract stray cats.
Don't feed stray cats. Feeding strays maintains high densities of cats that kill and compete with native wildlife populations. Cat colonies will form around sources of food and grow to the limits of the food supply. Colonies can grow to include dozens of animals [21]. Maintenance of colonies of free-ranging or feral cats through supplemental feeding benefits no one. The cats suffer because of disease and physical injury; native wildlife suffers from predation and competition, and colonies can be a source of disease for animals and humans. Those concerned with the welfare of animals can improve the lives of the many native species that suffer from lack of food and shelter by protecting and improving the habitats they require [25].
Literature cited
[1] Serpell, S.A. 1988. The domestication of the cat. Pp. 151-158. In: D.C. Turner and P. Bateson (eds.) The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
[2] Pet Food Institute. 1982. Pet food information fact sheet. Pet Food Institute, Washington, D.C.
[3] Nassar, R. and J. Mosier. 1991. Projections of pet populations from census demographic data. Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association 198: 1157-1159.
[4] Coleman, J.S. and S.A. Temple. 1993. Rural residents' free-ranging domestic cats: a survey. Wildlife Society Bulletin 21: 381-390.
[5] Boddicker, M.L. 1983. House Cats (feral). Pp. C25-C29. In: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.
[6] Fitzgerald, B.M. 1988. Diet of domestic cats and their impact on prey populations. Pp.123-147. In: D.C. Turner and P. Bateson (eds.) See [1].
[7] Bradt, G.W. 1949. Farm cat as predator. Michigan Conservation 18(4):23-25.
[8] Churcher, P.B. and J.H. Lawton. 1987. Predation by domestic cats in an English village. Journal of Zoology, London 212:439-455; Eberhard, T. 1954. Food habits of Pennsylvania house cats. Journal of Wildlife Management 18:284-286; Fitzgerald, B.M. 1988. See [6].
[9] Fitzgerald, B.M. 1988. See [6]; Davis, D.E. 1957. The use of food as a buffer in a predator-prey system. Journal of Mammalogy 38:466-472; Eberhard, T. 1954. See [8]; and Liberg, O. 1984. Food habits and prey impact by feral and house-based cats in a rural area of southern Sweden. Journal of Mammalogy 65:424-432.
[10] Coleman, J.S. and S.A. Temple. 1996. On the Prowl. Wisconsin Natural Resources 20(6):4-8.
[11] Anni Simpkins, Key West Navel Air Station, personal communication.
[12] Humphrey, S.R. and D.B. Barbour. 1981. Status and habitat of three subspecies of Peromyscus polionotus in Florida. Journal of Mammalogy 62:840-844.
[13] Gore, J.A. and T.L. Schaefer. 1993. Cats, condominiums and conservation of the Santa Rosa beach mouse. Abstracts of Papers Presented. Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation, Tucson, Arizona, June, 1993.
[14] George, W.G. 1974. Domestic cats as predators and factors in winter shortages of raptor prey. Wilson Bulletin 86:384-396.
[15] Erlinge, W., G. Göransson, G. Högstedt, G. Jansson, O. Liberg, J. Loman, I.N. Nilsson, T. von Schantz and M. Sylvén. 1984. Can vertebrate predators regulate their prey? American Naturalist 123:125-133.
[16] Jessup, D.A., K.C. Pettan, L.J. Lowenstine and N.C. Pedersen. 1993. Feline leukemia virus infection and renal spirochetosis in free-ranging cougar (Felis concolor). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 24:73-79.
[17] Roelke, M.E., D.J. Forester, E.R. Jacobson, G.V. Kollias, F.W. Scott, M.C. Barr, J.F. Evermann and E.C. Pirtel. 1993. Seroprevalence of infectious disease agents in free-ranging Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 29:36-49.
[18] Warfield, M.S. and W.I. Gay. 1986. The cat as a research subject. Pp. 41-54. In: W.I. Gay (ed.) Health Benefits of Animal Research. Foundation for Biomedical Research, Washington, DC.
[19] Liberg, O. and M. Sandell. 1988. Spatial organization and reproductive tactics in the domestic cat and other felids. Pp. 83-98. In: D.C. Turner and P. Bateson (eds.) See [1]; Natoli, E. and E. de Vito. 1988. The mating system of feral cats living in a group. Pp. 99-108. In: D.C. Turner and P. Bateson (eds.) See [1].
[20] Coleman, J.S. and S.A. Temple. 1993. See [4].
[21] Natoli, E. and E. de Vito. 1988. See [19].
[22] Adamec, R.E. 1976. The interaction of hunger and preying in the domestic cat (Felis catus): an adaptive hierarchy. Behavioral Biology 18:263-272.
[23] Paton, D.C. 1991. Loss of wildlife to domestic cats. Pp. 64-69. In: C. Potter (ed.) Proceedings of a Workshop on the Impact of Cats on Native Wildlife. Endangered Species Unit, Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney, Australia.
[24] Dunn, E. 1991. Predation at feeders: close encounters of the fatal kind. Feeder-Watch News 4(1):1-2.
[25] Bourne, R. (ed.). 1974. Gardening with Wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation. Washington, D.C. 190 pp.
Additional reading
Jurek, R.M. 1994. A Bibliography of Feral, Stray and Free-ranging Domestic Cats in Relation to Wildlife Conservation. California Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management Division. 24 pp.
This is about 90% of a document released from the University of Wisconsin wildlife department. Contact me if you would like further information on this topic.
How many cats are there in the United States?
The estimated numbers of pet cats in urban and rural regions of the United States have grown from 30 million in 1970 [2] to 60 million in 1990 [3]. These estimates are based on U.S. Census data and include only those cats that people claim to "own" as pets, not cats that are semi-wild or free-ranging. Nationwide, approximately 30% of households have cats. In rural areas where free-ranging cats are usually not regarded as pets, approximately 60% of households have cats. In the state of Wisconsin alone, with approximately 550,000 rural households, the number of rural free-ranging cats (not house pets) may be as high as 2 million [4]. The combined total of pets and free-ranging cats in the U.S. is probably more than 100 million. Because of their close association with humans, most of these cats are concentrated in areas where people live rather than in remote undeveloped areas.
The legal status of domestic cats
The laws that relate to domestic cats vary by local government. In most areas, the person who provides care for a cat is legally responsible for its welfare and control. As with other domestic animals, if ownership can be established by collars or other means of identification, a cat is considered personal property [5]. It is usually the responsibility of the owner to control the cat's movements. In most areas, cats can be live trapped and either returned to the owner or turned over to authorities if they wander onto other peoples' property. Many municipalities have leash laws and require vaccination and neutering of pet cats. Because laws vary, one should check local ordinances for the appropriate way to deal with stray cats.
What effects do domestic cats have on wildlife?
Although rural free-ranging cats have greater access to wild animals and undoubtedly take the greatest toll, even urban house pets take live prey when allowed outside. Extensive studies of the feeding habits of free-ranging domestic cats over 50 years and four continents [6] indicate that small mammals make up approximately 70% of these cats' prey while birds make up about 20%. The remaining 10% is a variety of other animals. The diets of free-ranging cat populations, however, reflect the food locally available.
Observation of free-ranging domestic cats shows that some individuals can kill over 1000 wild animals per year [7], although smaller numbers are more typical. Some of the data on kills suggest that free-ranging cats living in small towns kill an average of 14 wild animals each per year. Rural cats kill many more wild animals than do urban, or suburban cats [8]. Several studies found that up to 90% of free-ranging rural cats' diet was wild animals, and less than 10% of rural cats killed no wild animals [9]. Recent research [10] suggests that rural free-ranging domestic cats in Wisconsin may be killing between 8 and 217 million birds each year. The most reasonable estimates indicate that 39 million birds are killed in the state each year. Nationwide, rural cats probably kill over a billion small mammals and hundreds of millions of birds each year. Urban and suburban cats add to this toll. Some of these kills are house mice, rats and other species considered pests, but many are native songbirds and mammals whose populations are already stressed by other factors, such as habitat destruction and pesticide pollution.
Despite the difficulties in showing the effect most predators have on their prey, cats are known to have serious impacts on small mammals and birds. Worldwide, cats may have been involved in the extinction of more bird species than any other cause, except habitat destruction. Cats are contributing to the endangerment of populations of birds such as Least Terns, Piping Plovers and Loggerhead Shrikes. In Florida, marsh rabbits in Key West have been threatened by predation from domestic cats [11]. Cats introduced by people living on the barrier islands of Florida's coast have depleted several unique species of mice and woodrats to near extinction [12, 13].
Not only do cats prey on many small mammals and birds, but they can outnumber and compete with native predators. Domestic cats eat many of the same animals that native predators do. When present in large numbers, cats can reduce the availability of prey for native predators, such as hawks [14] and weasels [15].
Free-ranging domestic cats may also transmit new diseases to wild animals. Domestic cats have spread feline leukemia virus to mountain lions [16] and may have recently infected the endangered Florida Panther with feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) and an immune deficiency disease [17]. These diseases may pose a serious threat to this rare species. Some free-ranging domestic cats also carry several diseases that are easily transmitted to humans, including rabies and toxoplasmosis [18].
Domestic cats vs. native predators
Although cats make affectionate pets, many domestic cats hunt as effectively as wild predators. However, they differ from wild predators in three important ways: First, people protect cats from disease, predation and competition, factors that can control numbers of wild predators, such as bobcats, foxes, or coyotes. Second, they often have a dependable supply of supplemental food provided by humans and are, therefore, not influenced by changes in populations of prey. Whereas populations of native predators will decline when prey becomes scarce, cats receiving food subsidies from people remain abundant and continue to hunt even rare species. Third, unlike many native predators, cat densities are either poorly limited or not limited by territoriality [19]. These three factors allow domestic cats to exist at much higher densities than native predators. In some parts of rural Wisconsin, densities of free-ranging cats reach 114 cats per square mile. In these areas, cats are several times more abundant than all mid-sized native predators (such as foxes, raccoons, skunks) combined. With abundant food, densities can reach over 9 per acre, and cats often form large feeding and breeding "colonies" (81 cats were recorded in one colony, and colonies of over 20 are not uncommon) [20, 21]. Unlike some predators, a cat's desire to hunt is not suppressed by adequate supplemental food. Even when fed regularly by people, a cat's motivation to hunt remains strong, so it continues hunting [22].
In summary
Free-ranging cats are abundant and widespread predators. They often exist at much higher densities than native predators. They prey on large numbers of wild animals, some of which are rare or endangered. They compete with native predators, and they harbor a variety of diseases. Yet, cats are popular pets. In order to have and care for our pets--and still protect our native wildlife--we must make an effort to limit in a humane manner the adverse effects free-ranging cats can have on wildlife.
What you can do
Keep only as many pet cats as you can feed and care for. Controlling reproduction and humanely euthanizing unwanted cats will keep cat populations from growing beyond the size that can be adequately cared for. On farms, keep only the minimum number of free-ranging cats needed to control rodents. Well-fed, neutered females will stay closest to farm buildings and do most of their killing where rodent control is needed most. Traps and rodenticides, as well as rodent-proof storage and construction, will usually contribute more to effective rodent control than cats.
If at all possible, for the sake of your cat and local wildlife, keep your cat indoors. Confinement will eliminate unwanted reproduction, predation on wild animals, and the spread of disease. Bells are mostly ineffective in preventing predation [23] because, even if the bell rings, it's usually too late for the prey being stalked. Declawing may reduce hunting success, but many declawed cats are still effective predators. Keeping your cats indoors helps protect the wildlife around your yard and prevents your cat from picking up diseases from strays or getting injured. The two most common causes of death for rural cats in south central Wisconsin are disease and being struck by automobiles. If cats must be allowed outdoors, consider using a fenced enclosure or runway.
Neuter your cats or prevent them from breeding, and encourage others to do so. Support or initiate efforts to require licensing and neutering of pets. In areas where such laws already exist, insist that they be enforced. For information on local licensing and neutering laws, contact your local health department or humane society.
Locate bird feeders in sites that do not provide cover for cats to wait in ambush for birds. Cats are a significant source of mortality among birds that come to feeders [24]. To prevent cats from climbing to bird nests, put animal guards around any trees in your yard that may have nesting birds.
Don't dispose of unwanted cats by releasing them in rural areas. This practice enlarges rural cat populations and is an inhumane way of dealing with unwanted cats. Cats suffer in an unfamiliar setting, even if they are good predators. Contact your local animal welfare organization for help.
Eliminate sources of food, such as garbage or outdoor pet food dishes, that attract stray cats.
Don't feed stray cats. Feeding strays maintains high densities of cats that kill and compete with native wildlife populations. Cat colonies will form around sources of food and grow to the limits of the food supply. Colonies can grow to include dozens of animals [21]. Maintenance of colonies of free-ranging or feral cats through supplemental feeding benefits no one. The cats suffer because of disease and physical injury; native wildlife suffers from predation and competition, and colonies can be a source of disease for animals and humans. Those concerned with the welfare of animals can improve the lives of the many native species that suffer from lack of food and shelter by protecting and improving the habitats they require [25].
Literature cited
[1] Serpell, S.A. 1988. The domestication of the cat. Pp. 151-158. In: D.C. Turner and P. Bateson (eds.) The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
[2] Pet Food Institute. 1982. Pet food information fact sheet. Pet Food Institute, Washington, D.C.
[3] Nassar, R. and J. Mosier. 1991. Projections of pet populations from census demographic data. Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association 198: 1157-1159.
[4] Coleman, J.S. and S.A. Temple. 1993. Rural residents' free-ranging domestic cats: a survey. Wildlife Society Bulletin 21: 381-390.
[5] Boddicker, M.L. 1983. House Cats (feral). Pp. C25-C29. In: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.
[6] Fitzgerald, B.M. 1988. Diet of domestic cats and their impact on prey populations. Pp.123-147. In: D.C. Turner and P. Bateson (eds.) See [1].
[7] Bradt, G.W. 1949. Farm cat as predator. Michigan Conservation 18(4):23-25.
[8] Churcher, P.B. and J.H. Lawton. 1987. Predation by domestic cats in an English village. Journal of Zoology, London 212:439-455; Eberhard, T. 1954. Food habits of Pennsylvania house cats. Journal of Wildlife Management 18:284-286; Fitzgerald, B.M. 1988. See [6].
[9] Fitzgerald, B.M. 1988. See [6]; Davis, D.E. 1957. The use of food as a buffer in a predator-prey system. Journal of Mammalogy 38:466-472; Eberhard, T. 1954. See [8]; and Liberg, O. 1984. Food habits and prey impact by feral and house-based cats in a rural area of southern Sweden. Journal of Mammalogy 65:424-432.
[10] Coleman, J.S. and S.A. Temple. 1996. On the Prowl. Wisconsin Natural Resources 20(6):4-8.
[11] Anni Simpkins, Key West Navel Air Station, personal communication.
[12] Humphrey, S.R. and D.B. Barbour. 1981. Status and habitat of three subspecies of Peromyscus polionotus in Florida. Journal of Mammalogy 62:840-844.
[13] Gore, J.A. and T.L. Schaefer. 1993. Cats, condominiums and conservation of the Santa Rosa beach mouse. Abstracts of Papers Presented. Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation, Tucson, Arizona, June, 1993.
[14] George, W.G. 1974. Domestic cats as predators and factors in winter shortages of raptor prey. Wilson Bulletin 86:384-396.
[15] Erlinge, W., G. Göransson, G. Högstedt, G. Jansson, O. Liberg, J. Loman, I.N. Nilsson, T. von Schantz and M. Sylvén. 1984. Can vertebrate predators regulate their prey? American Naturalist 123:125-133.
[16] Jessup, D.A., K.C. Pettan, L.J. Lowenstine and N.C. Pedersen. 1993. Feline leukemia virus infection and renal spirochetosis in free-ranging cougar (Felis concolor). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 24:73-79.
[17] Roelke, M.E., D.J. Forester, E.R. Jacobson, G.V. Kollias, F.W. Scott, M.C. Barr, J.F. Evermann and E.C. Pirtel. 1993. Seroprevalence of infectious disease agents in free-ranging Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 29:36-49.
[18] Warfield, M.S. and W.I. Gay. 1986. The cat as a research subject. Pp. 41-54. In: W.I. Gay (ed.) Health Benefits of Animal Research. Foundation for Biomedical Research, Washington, DC.
[19] Liberg, O. and M. Sandell. 1988. Spatial organization and reproductive tactics in the domestic cat and other felids. Pp. 83-98. In: D.C. Turner and P. Bateson (eds.) See [1]; Natoli, E. and E. de Vito. 1988. The mating system of feral cats living in a group. Pp. 99-108. In: D.C. Turner and P. Bateson (eds.) See [1].
[20] Coleman, J.S. and S.A. Temple. 1993. See [4].
[21] Natoli, E. and E. de Vito. 1988. See [19].
[22] Adamec, R.E. 1976. The interaction of hunger and preying in the domestic cat (Felis catus): an adaptive hierarchy. Behavioral Biology 18:263-272.
[23] Paton, D.C. 1991. Loss of wildlife to domestic cats. Pp. 64-69. In: C. Potter (ed.) Proceedings of a Workshop on the Impact of Cats on Native Wildlife. Endangered Species Unit, Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney, Australia.
[24] Dunn, E. 1991. Predation at feeders: close encounters of the fatal kind. Feeder-Watch News 4(1):1-2.
[25] Bourne, R. (ed.). 1974. Gardening with Wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation. Washington, D.C. 190 pp.
Additional reading
Jurek, R.M. 1994. A Bibliography of Feral, Stray and Free-ranging Domestic Cats in Relation to Wildlife Conservation. California Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management Division. 24 pp.
06-28-2004, 09:45 PM
#2
Super Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Roane Co. WV USA Member since 11/1999
Posts: 2,045
RE: The problem with domestic cats
BA, I have to say good post....I deleted most posts as we do not want to give Anti's any more fuel for their fire! Not to mention there is NO need for that "type" of posting on this board. ( Shoot, Shovel, and Shut up) Get a life!!! As most of us are hunters, we do not want anyone to think we just "take out" house pets because they do not suit our purpose or desires.
If you hunt your neighbors pets....not much of a hunter. Sure, I can see exceptions but very few. There are some areas in Canada and the U.S that have severe feral cat problems. Any cat domestic or other wise can be an efficient predator.....very efficient! Not the animals fault....it is the humans behind them. Not trying to sound PETAish either as I detest them!!!!(peta) Just want to say that if you have an animal......Please be responsible for that animal......
Have your pets fixed so that they cannot make hundreds of cats in a year...not to mention have your dang dogs fixed too!! If you are into breeding fine...do it in a responsible way. Nuff said and Thanks.
If you hunt your neighbors pets....not much of a hunter. Sure, I can see exceptions but very few. There are some areas in Canada and the U.S that have severe feral cat problems. Any cat domestic or other wise can be an efficient predator.....very efficient! Not the animals fault....it is the humans behind them. Not trying to sound PETAish either as I detest them!!!!(peta) Just want to say that if you have an animal......Please be responsible for that animal......
Have your pets fixed so that they cannot make hundreds of cats in a year...not to mention have your dang dogs fixed too!! If you are into breeding fine...do it in a responsible way. Nuff said and Thanks.
06-28-2004, 11:29 PM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Pulaskiville
Posts: 3,533
RE: The problem with domestic cats
If people can't hang on to their dang pets...They don't need to be getting any.
Christine's absolutely right. If people were responsible with their pets, there would be no problems.
The problem is that many don't watch their kids...how in the world are they going to watch their pets. Sad.
Christine's absolutely right. If people were responsible with their pets, there would be no problems.
The problem is that many don't watch their kids...how in the world are they going to watch their pets. Sad.
07-06-2004, 02:16 AM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Gilmer TX USA
Posts: 102
RE: The problem with domestic cats
WHERE I LIVE CATS ARE SCARED OF EVERYTHING THAT MOVES INCLUDING MICE!!!!!SERIOUSLEY THEY ARE.THE COONS AROUND HERE EAT CATS FOR BREAKFAST LUNCH AND DINNER COPPERHEADS AND RATTLESNAKES AND WATER MOCCASINS EAT THE CATS TO.PANTHERS FOXES DOGS BOBCATS HOGS AND EVEN POSSUMS EAT THE CATS TO.I AGREE WITH CHRISTINE B.
07-06-2004, 04:47 PM
#5
Super Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Roane Co. WV USA Member since 11/1999
Posts: 2,045
RE: The problem with domestic cats
crc, Not sure what type of domestic cats ya'll have down there in TX, and I was born there.
But my cats (5) run any and all Raccoons, Opossums, Dogs, and other cats off of my deck and out of the yard. To date since early May they have also brought in 15 or 20 dead Copperheads that they have killed (much to my chagrin leaving them on the porchmat as presents). 
What is funny is to watch the deer run the cats off, or a fawn playing tag with one! (yes, it actually happens) LOL
For the record all of my cats are spayed and neutered. They stay in the yard and on the porch too(inside at night) are well cared for and fed. [8D]
But my cats (5) run any and all Raccoons, Opossums, Dogs, and other cats off of my deck and out of the yard. To date since early May they have also brought in 15 or 20 dead Copperheads that they have killed (much to my chagrin leaving them on the porchmat as presents). What is funny is to watch the deer run the cats off, or a fawn playing tag with one! (yes, it actually happens) LOL For the record all of my cats are spayed and neutered. They stay in the yard and on the porch too(inside at night) are well cared for and fed. [8D]
07-07-2004, 07:01 AM
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brantford, Ontaio, Canada
Posts: 140
RE: The problem with domestic cats
im not gonna go into detail hoping that this post wont be deleted but here it goes...
i believe that a dog or cat that is somebodies pet shouldnt be allowed to roam the wilderness wen it wants to. if u live in the country then you should keep your dog tied or penned up wen your not outside with it. cats shouldnt be allowed outside unless its leashed either. with farmers having barn cats they should be very strict with the population of cats on their land. any farmer isnt willing to spay/neuter all of the barn cats so the population should be controlled.
u may not believe it but a cat CAN kill a full grown cottontail. i know this for a fact cuz my moms friends cat did it regularily until it disapeared
dogs and cats that are allowed to run wild r a big problem for wildlife and if one is seen in the wild it should be exterminated. i have shot quite a few cats and dogs cuz they were in the bush where they arent sopose to be. sure, they may have been somebodies pet but the way i see it is if the owner really cared for the pet they wouldnt let them roam the wild...
im not an animal hater. in fact i love dogs and cats as pets. really, the owners should be the ones getting punished for leeting the animal roam the wild. ive caught so many cats in my live trap in the last 3 years that i gave up counting....basically 1 every night i set the trap. this is fully legal (i live in the city) as long as u take the animal to the animal shelter asap. they keep cats for 3 days be4 putting them down and dogs for 5.
if u have a neighbour that lets there cats out at night and it gets into your garbage then buy a live trap. u can set the trap 1 inch from the property line in your backyard, catch the cat and the owner can do nothing about it. if they step on your property u charge them with trespassing (a cop told me this) then wen they goto the shelter to get the animal they have to pay $150 canadian cuz all cats taken there MUST be spayed or neutered be4 the owner takes them back.
dont delete this mod. theres nuttin bad in it and its good readin
thanx
ch312
i believe that a dog or cat that is somebodies pet shouldnt be allowed to roam the wilderness wen it wants to. if u live in the country then you should keep your dog tied or penned up wen your not outside with it. cats shouldnt be allowed outside unless its leashed either. with farmers having barn cats they should be very strict with the population of cats on their land. any farmer isnt willing to spay/neuter all of the barn cats so the population should be controlled.
u may not believe it but a cat CAN kill a full grown cottontail. i know this for a fact cuz my moms friends cat did it regularily until it disapeared
dogs and cats that are allowed to run wild r a big problem for wildlife and if one is seen in the wild it should be exterminated. i have shot quite a few cats and dogs cuz they were in the bush where they arent sopose to be. sure, they may have been somebodies pet but the way i see it is if the owner really cared for the pet they wouldnt let them roam the wild...
im not an animal hater. in fact i love dogs and cats as pets. really, the owners should be the ones getting punished for leeting the animal roam the wild. ive caught so many cats in my live trap in the last 3 years that i gave up counting....basically 1 every night i set the trap. this is fully legal (i live in the city) as long as u take the animal to the animal shelter asap. they keep cats for 3 days be4 putting them down and dogs for 5.
if u have a neighbour that lets there cats out at night and it gets into your garbage then buy a live trap. u can set the trap 1 inch from the property line in your backyard, catch the cat and the owner can do nothing about it. if they step on your property u charge them with trespassing (a cop told me this) then wen they goto the shelter to get the animal they have to pay $150 canadian cuz all cats taken there MUST be spayed or neutered be4 the owner takes them back.
dont delete this mod. theres nuttin bad in it and its good readin
thanx
ch312
07-07-2004, 09:32 AM
#7
Join Date: May 2003
Location:
Posts: 239
RE: The problem with domestic cats
Christine B;
First of all I don't want to get on the wrong side of anyone. But to say we're adding fuel to the fire for the anti's is pure crap. We all as sportsmen and sportswomen need to stand up the these people. Not one group, Peta, HSUS, has done nothing for the wildlife we have today. It has always been "Us the Hunter, Trappers, and Fishermen who have done everything for the wildlife we have today. The Humane Society, will euthinize 100's if not 1000's of animals everyday. And that's suppost to be alright. When people have pets of any kind, the first and foremost important thing is to make sure that animal is fed, watered, housed, and kept healthy. Letting them run loose in the wild and destroy the nest and young of certain wildlife is totally uncalled for. Thats why we have predator's. It's their job to keeps our wildlife in control. And to let cats, and or dogs run wild should never happen. Then they turn feral and compete with our predators. I do not see as cruel to dispatch a feral animal. Besides cruelity is in the minds of people. Mother Nature is so much crueler than man will ever be. How many animals are caught by a predator, then eaten alive. But then that animal will go into shock instantly preventing it from suffering. So don't tell me it's wrong to dispatch a feral cat or dog. Now if Peta, or the HSUS would take care of the problem of the feral animals we have. Then I might agree with them. But I don't and never will. They would rather have all hunting, trapping, and fishing totally ban. And let our wildlife over populate, then die of disease, starvation and such. We are never going to get rid of these people, but if we don't stand up to them. Then we'll never stop them. You can't hide this from them. No matter what forum's that deals with hunting, fishing and or trapping you are going to get these idiots. But thats just my .02.
First of all I don't want to get on the wrong side of anyone. But to say we're adding fuel to the fire for the anti's is pure crap. We all as sportsmen and sportswomen need to stand up the these people. Not one group, Peta, HSUS, has done nothing for the wildlife we have today. It has always been "Us the Hunter, Trappers, and Fishermen who have done everything for the wildlife we have today. The Humane Society, will euthinize 100's if not 1000's of animals everyday. And that's suppost to be alright. When people have pets of any kind, the first and foremost important thing is to make sure that animal is fed, watered, housed, and kept healthy. Letting them run loose in the wild and destroy the nest and young of certain wildlife is totally uncalled for. Thats why we have predator's. It's their job to keeps our wildlife in control. And to let cats, and or dogs run wild should never happen. Then they turn feral and compete with our predators. I do not see as cruel to dispatch a feral animal. Besides cruelity is in the minds of people. Mother Nature is so much crueler than man will ever be. How many animals are caught by a predator, then eaten alive. But then that animal will go into shock instantly preventing it from suffering. So don't tell me it's wrong to dispatch a feral cat or dog. Now if Peta, or the HSUS would take care of the problem of the feral animals we have. Then I might agree with them. But I don't and never will. They would rather have all hunting, trapping, and fishing totally ban. And let our wildlife over populate, then die of disease, starvation and such. We are never going to get rid of these people, but if we don't stand up to them. Then we'll never stop them. You can't hide this from them. No matter what forum's that deals with hunting, fishing and or trapping you are going to get these idiots. But thats just my .02.
07-07-2004, 10:14 AM
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Pulaskiville
Posts: 3,533
RE: The problem with domestic cats
Coyote Caller...You didn't read the posts that were deleted. That's what she's talking about, and she's right.
We do need ot fight these people, but we don't need to resort to describing how to kill people's pets on this forum. That was what she was referring to.
CC..You're right, it is a problem. We just don't need references about shooting, shoveling and shutting up about it. That's immature and wrong.
We do need ot fight these people, but we don't need to resort to describing how to kill people's pets on this forum. That was what she was referring to.
CC..You're right, it is a problem. We just don't need references about shooting, shoveling and shutting up about it. That's immature and wrong.
07-07-2004, 09:46 PM
#9
Super Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Roane Co. WV USA Member since 11/1999
Posts: 2,045
RE: The problem with domestic cats
Hey ProLine!! Thanks, and btw I do not have an adams apple! LMAO![8D]
Coyote Caller, I understand what you are saying but....PETA, and ilk like them will ever believe that "Mother Nature" is so cruel, severely so most of the time. Heck, most of them have no common sense!!! Go figure....
This board has standards and rules to uphold, and they will be!!
Thanks again, Pro!!
Coyote Caller, I understand what you are saying but....PETA, and ilk like them will ever believe that "Mother Nature" is so cruel, severely so most of the time. Heck, most of them have no common sense!!! Go figure....
This board has standards and rules to uphold, and they will be!!
Thanks again, Pro!!
07-10-2004, 11:40 PM
#10
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Brook, IN
Posts: 491
RE: The problem with domestic cats
The cats I was referring to in my post (which was deleted) were 100% FERRAL. I watched them kill many rabbits includeing fully grown ones, squirrels, birds, pheasants, ducks, geese.
A ferral cat is one of natures most adept predators. People forget that unlike dogs, mankind never truly domisticated the cat.
Christine B and other members,
My comments I made in the above deleted post were in part in poor taste and I apoligize. You are right about not giving the anitis anymore "bullets" to fire at us.
A ferral cat is one of natures most adept predators. People forget that unlike dogs, mankind never truly domisticated the cat.
Christine B and other members,
My comments I made in the above deleted post were in part in poor taste and I apoligize. You are right about not giving the anitis anymore "bullets" to fire at us.