Humans are to blame for free-roaming cats

Keeping cats indoors is best

Keeping domestic cats indoors is best for their health and the environment, according to a new study by the University of Maryland. The experts report that humans are primarily responsible for the risks associated with free-roaming cats.

The researchers analysed data from the D.C. Cat Count, a survey encompassing 60 wildlife cameras at 1’500 locations. “We found that the average domestic cat in Washington has a 61 percent probability of being found in the same space as raccoons,” explains lead author Daniel Herrera.

Cats hunt native species

The experts found that cats, by hunting native animals, can reduce biodiversity and impair the health of ecosystems.

“Many people mistakenly believe that cats hunt non-native populations such as rats, when in reality they prefer to hunt small native species,” Herrera explained.

The study showed that the presence of cats increased with human population density, while it decreased with tree cover. “Since humans have a major influence on where cats are located, humans also dictate the degree of risk to which these cats are exposed and the extent of the harm they inflict on local wildlife,” said Professor Travis Gallo.

The study was published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution.

You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose empathy on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan.