Cats are among the most popular pets in the world, providing companionship and joy to many worldwide. But behind that playful purr and adorable paws is a surprising reality. Even the kindest of house cats can have a massive effect on local wildlife when allowed to roam freely in our urban landscape. From birds to rodents and even reptiles, our furry friends are masters of the hunt, but what are the actual effects of our beloved pets?
Many pet owners believe that well-fed house cats have no need to hunt, releasing them to explore and expecting them to find a suitable spot to sleep, meet up with friends, and then return home before dark. However, the truth is a bit more intricate. While well-fed house cats may not necessarily hunt for food, they possess innate instincts to hunt and catch prey. And what do they do with their catch? They may play with it, leave it, or even bring it home as a gift on your front doorstep.
But what effect can this have on our local ecosystems?
Birds are the most affected by free-ranging cats, often unaware that an approaching house cat is stalking them. In the USA alone, cats kill an estimated 1.3 to 4 billion birds annually, causing significant changes in bird populations in feline-dense areas like urban neighbourhoods. Birds play a crucial role in local ecosystems by controlling insect populations, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds; functions essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. And of course, bird songs are an integral part of our beautiful Kootenay morning soundscape.
Reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, are frequently hunted by cats. Cats target these because they warm themselves on rocks or human-made surfaces, making them easy prey to stalk. Many reptiles play a crucial role in maintaining insect populations and fertilizing plant growth. In fact, house cats have been documented wiping out entire reptile species in island ecosystems.
Rodents like mice and rats are commonly regarded as pests in urban areas, and cats are renowned for their effectiveness in controlling pest populations. However, rats and mice are not the sole rodents that cats frequently kill. Voles, squirrels, and chipmunks are among numerous species that cats impact, many of which play significant roles in maintaining the health of an ecosystem.
All of this doesn’t imply that your furry friends are inherently mean killing machines. It suggests that they retain primal instincts inherited from their wild ancestors. These instincts are a part of what makes house cats, belonging to the same family as animals like cougars, bobcats, and lynx.
So, what can we do to protect local wildlife while still having our furry companions?
There are numerous ways to ensure our feline housemates have a fulfilling life while safeguarding local wildlife. Firstly, we can prevent cats from leaving our homes. While this may be feasible for some cats, others require more freedom. An expensive, yet worthwhile, solution are “catios” or cat patios, enclosed outdoor spaces that allow cats to relish the fresh air and sunshine.
However, many cats yearn for greater freedom in their daily lives. Therefore, the most practical, effective, and simple solution is a collar with a bell attached – yep that’s it! This approach allows cats to retain their freedom while preventing them from hunting by reducing their ability to stalk prey.
Our feline friends love their freedom and we love them, and with just a few tricks and a little knowledge we can protect our natural environment while still letting our cats explore and socialize. Purrrrfect!
Jordy Stroud is a second-year Recreation, Fish and Wildlife student at Castlegar’s Selkirk College.