Domestic cats as invasive predators.

[MsGuy]

I thought about posting this on SmallTownJohn's or greatness's thread but decided that would be too much of a hi-jack.

 

I had no idea of the impact cats roaming the neighborhood has on the small bird population. I knew that the song bird population in America has been plumeting but I didn't realize that the domestic cat was a major factor in their holocaust.

 

This NY Times piece is the easier read but doesn't get down to the nitty-gritty until the second page.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/science/29angi.html?ref=science

 

This Dot Earth article has a couple of informative video's along with a discussion of the divisions within the animal welfare community on the best way to deal with the problem.

http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/the-truth-about-cats-and-birds/

 

One thing all sides seem to agree on is that cats belong inside and should not be permitted to roam free.

[rvwnsd]

Hear, hear! My cat Willy has always been indoors-only. Heidi was a feral until my vet rescued her and one of her litters. In her first three years she made a significant contribution to the cat overpopulation. She is now indoors-only and runs in the other direction whenever the door opens.

[Guest greatness]

I agree

 

There is an interesting article in the journal Science about this issue too. I want my cat to stay inside but he loves outdoor so much that it is impossible...

 

 

One thing all sides seem to agree on is that cats belong inside and should not be permitted to roam free.

[rvwnsd]

What does your cat do if you won't let him go outdoors? Is he neutered?

[Guest greatness]

well

 

He is getting neutered this week... He jumps out of the window or wait for someone to open the door...and there he goes....

 

What does your cat do if you won't let him go outdoors? Is he neutered?

[rvwnsd]

Neutering might help. Willy used to be a little escape artist but after being picked up by the scruff of his neck and hauled back inside a few times he learned that inside is where he belongs.

 

Do your windows not have screens or does he just push them out? A friend attempted to adopt a feral kitten, but he escaped by jumping on the screen hard enough and knocking it out of place. End of adopting the kitten.

[Guest greatness]

he is so smart

 

One of my windows doesn't have a screen... How can a kitten be so aggressive?

Anyways, he is neutered and resting.... He is so adorable...

 

Neutering might help. Willy used to be a little escape artist but after being picked up by the scruff of his neck and hauled back inside a few times he learned that inside is where he belongs.

 

Do your windows not have screens or does he just push them out? A friend attempted to adopt a feral kitten, but he escaped by jumping on the screen hard enough and knocking it out of place. End of adopting the kitten.

[+ Lucky]

Did you have yourself neutered as well? It would have been a nice thing to do for the cat.

[Guest greatness]

lol

 

I know... It was not fun to watch... My poor kitty...

 

Did you have yourself neutered as well? It would have been a nice thing to do for the cat.

[rvwnsd]

Funny how such a cute little furball can have so much energy and force behind that sweet face. How old is the little rascal?

 

PS: Kudos for having him neutered.

[Guest RianB]

Well, with Halloween around the corner Im sure we'll see a decline in the black cat population...

[JT Brooklyn]

He is getting neutered this week... He jumps out of the window or wait for someone to open the door...and there he goes....

 

The "Pussy" sounds like an Ex-Lover of mine! Sorry I never got around to the Neuter Part! Then again when the "Sex is Gone"..You might as well leave the Front Door Open!

[Guest greatness]

oh

 

He is 7 mo. He is so smart.

 

Funny how such a cute little furball can have so much energy and force behind that sweet face. How old is the little rascal?

 

PS: Kudos for having him neutered.

[rvwnsd]

Nice. I've always adopted adult cats, but next time I am getting a kitten or a pair of kittens. Baby cats and dogs are so cute.

[Guest greatness]

I know

 

I can't believe such an innocent thing grows up to hurt others...

 

 

Nice. I've always adopted adult cats, but next time I am getting a kitten or a pair of kittens. Baby cats and dogs are so cute.

[+ purplekow]

Well as the lioness said to the lion as he left the lair: "Be careful its a jungle out there."

[KMEM]

Well, with Halloween around the corner Im sure we'll see a decline in the black cat population...

 

Well, one black cat got away unscathed. I adopted an adult black cat now named Licorice (how original) who was apparently about 4 two years ago. He is doing famously now and rules the roost. So far only humans to rule but I will change that at some point.

 

Best regards,

KMEM