National Audubon Society Caves to the Cat Crazies

I don’t know that they should go to prison, but they sure as hell should be paying a significant fine.

In reply to Maegaret Maes, cats aren’t considered ‘outdoor’ pets per se, just pets. Sadly we have had massive declines in many bird populations, some as much as 80% in the last two decades. The main causes are habitat degradation and decline and increased predation by cats and dogs (the latter tending to destroy ground nests more than anything).

To comment more generally, the declines of course cannot be due to one cause alone for all species. They vary. For example, Song Thrush decline in urban gardens is mainly due to cat predation at the nest or of fledged young. The decline in Corn Buntings, a ‘grassland’ species is due to over-intensification of agriculture and subsequent crash of invertebrate populations.

If we go back to feral cats, other than bird predation we do have a problem with interbreeding with the Scottish Wild Cat which is leading to the extinction of the species. One route is to eradicate feral cat populations. However, this is not easy due to the secretive nature of the animals so shooting is not particularly successful. Poisoning is too random, indeed it is illegal in the UK for obvious reasons. The only real way to deal with the problem as with other similar species is by trapping. In most non-native species they are euthanised humanely. It has been voiced that there may be merit in castrating males and releasing them back into the wild allowing them to hold territory and keeping other males (that are fertile) out of the area. However, there are problems with this, not least the effect of castration on the ability (or wont) of the male cat to hold a territory. It also does not stop male Wildcats mating with female feral cats. Spaying a female is more complicated than castrating a male and the cost and effort is a hindrance.

The saying ‘Live and let live’ is a good one but in the cold light of reality, this can only apply to balanced ecosystems. When Man unnaturally introduces a ‘species’ such as feral cats he must have the responsibility to control and ensure the balance of that system. If it means eradication, so be it. However, he also has the responsibility to do so effectively and humanely.

I would suggest concerted live trapping with humane euthanasia as the best way to combat feral cat predation of wildlife. Prior to this, mandatory chipping for all owned/pets cats must be introduced. The latter will then prevent pet cats from being euthanised, the live cat being identified and returned back to its owner. All this should be backed up with a full-on education programme, explaining the damage cats do to bird and small mammal populations, the mechanics of eco-systems and the effects of non-native species have and why. Cat owners should be encouraged to take responsibility for their pet and its actions. Indeed, there may be some areas where cats have access to protected areas which contain protected species. I’m not sure what the US law is but in the UK, if a predatory feral animal is perceived to be a direct threat to livestock or wildlife, permission is given for dispatch of that animal. Prosecution of the owner (if traced) may follow.

By the way, I’m a cat person – I will always like them, but I’m also pragmatic. I have a responsibility to and consideration for the native species that call the outdoors their home. Tibbles needs to run around a bit but he also gets fed regularly so he doesn’t need to feast on the local wildlife. Cat owners need to be reminded of that.

Sorry, that was a bit long-winded.