Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

cali

(114,904 posts)
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 12:56 PM Jan 2013

More news about murderous kittykats: They kill billions- every year.

Cats that live in the wild or indoor pets allowed to roam outdoors kill from 1.4 billion to as many as 3.7 billion birds in the continental U.S. each year, says a new study that escalates a decades-old debate over the feline threat to native animals.

The estimates are much higher than the hundreds of millions of annual bird deaths previously attributed to cats. The study also says that from 6.9 billion to as many as 20.7 billion mammals — mainly mice, shrews, rabbits and voles — are killed by cats annually in the Lower 48. The report is scheduled to be published Tuesday in Nature Communications.

"I was stunned," said ornithologist Peter Marra of the Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute. He and Smithsonian colleague Scott Loss, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Tom Will conducted the study.

<snip>

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/29/cats-wild-birds-mammals-study/1873871/

84 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
More news about murderous kittykats: They kill billions- every year. (Original Post) cali Jan 2013 OP
well its in their nature to hunt and kill as a top predator. im shocked that this surprises people. loli phabay Jan 2013 #1
Yep and I'm surprised it bothers people Taverner Jan 2013 #2
yup shitloads of feral cats here in va loli phabay Jan 2013 #5
I sort of understand the defense of songbirds, but justabob Jan 2013 #16
for their health and the health of wild animals, kitties are wonderful and need to be kept inside CreekDog Jan 2013 #46
I have four justabob Jan 2013 #55
My kitty found me when a stray years ago and his eyes had just opened. He's been inside with RKP5637 Jan 2013 #56
+100 Liberal_in_LA Jan 2013 #61
The sound a bird makes (or maybe it's the cat) when it's being shredded Bake Jan 2013 #81
That's an ignorant statement fishiefish Jan 2013 #50
How Much Do Cats Actually Kill? Romulus Quirinus Jan 2013 #44
Cats belong inside for many reasons, and this is one of them. Brickbat Jan 2013 #3
people cause enough mass extinction liberal_at_heart Jan 2013 #6
How are they contributing to "mass extinction?" Starboard Tack Jan 2013 #15
"designed" Romulus Quirinus Jan 2013 #45
Yes Romulus Quirinus, designed. Starboard Tack Jan 2013 #66
"like humans are designed to walk upright, cars are designed to roll on wheels" Romulus Quirinus Jan 2013 #67
Do you have a point to make or are you just working on your post count? Starboard Tack Jan 2013 #69
they aren't natural when they are housepets! CreekDog Jan 2013 #48
Sorry, I'm not getting your point. Starboard Tack Jan 2013 #68
Feral and outdoor cats are an invasive species. Upton Jan 2013 #58
My cats have a preference for rodents. NV Whino Jan 2013 #4
Mine are only interested in rodents... the bigger the better. alittlelark Jan 2013 #14
I could have used your cats last year RebelOne Jan 2013 #19
Mine, too - gophers DollarBillHines Jan 2013 #49
My cat couldn't kill a bird if his life depended on it union_maid Jan 2013 #7
hah! my fluffball once ran in fear from a large cockroach zazen Jan 2013 #33
lol - anytime my cat hears a strange noise I have to go investigate and he follows me. n/t RKP5637 Jan 2013 #57
It is called NATURE. From it we get the word NATURAL. CBGLuthier Jan 2013 #8
One excellent reason to own a cat you keep indoors SheilaT Jan 2013 #9
We had cats growing up specifically to keep mice out of the shed and garden Recursion Jan 2013 #10
I once saw my two cats watch a mouse narnian60 Jan 2013 #32
Well, clearly if it's starving the dog the cats will be for it Recursion Jan 2013 #34
here comes the indoor/outdoor cat war fizzgig Jan 2013 #11
i only have indoor hostages. pansypoo53219 Jan 2013 #12
If only we could train cats to hunt Common Grackles. kentauros Jan 2013 #13
I just posted the same thing :) justabob Jan 2013 #21
As they say kentauros Jan 2013 #30
yes :) justabob Jan 2013 #40
I only see the various "normal" songbirds on occasion. kentauros Jan 2013 #41
too bad the grackles are quick, I say run them down justabob Jan 2013 #53
Well, I don't like killing any animals, kentauros Jan 2013 #63
I am only hostile toward grackles justabob Jan 2013 #65
An interesting Grackle story... TeeYiYi Jan 2013 #25
Thanks :) kentauros Jan 2013 #31
OMG. Cats kill mice & birds. Who knew? GreenStormCloud Jan 2013 #17
Say WHAT? REP Jan 2013 #23
I have 2 indoor, 1 indoor/outdoor - and he's a hunter. Melinda Jan 2013 #18
I'm pretty sure my cats have killed exactly zero birds ... rodents, not so sure REP Jan 2013 #20
Given who was running the study, I'm sure the numbers inflated... joeybee12 Jan 2013 #22
I've never witnessed a cat kill a bird that wasn't already injured. alphafemale Jan 2013 #82
I know... joeybee12 Jan 2013 #83
They're Terminators. slackmaster Jan 2013 #24
Don't you mean "Tooncinators"? smirkymonkey Jan 2013 #84
The only ethical solution is to keep them inside and feed a vegan diet FarCenter Jan 2013 #26
So you advocate starving them to death? sadbear Jan 2013 #28
Amazingly enough, there is vegan cat food FarCenter Jan 2013 #35
I don't doubt its existence. sadbear Jan 2013 #36
If I had to pay that much for cat food, I'd get a goldfish instead. slackmaster Jan 2013 #52
Not ethical to feed an OBLIGATE CARNIVORE a vegan diet REP Jan 2013 #42
The vegan cat diet has to be supplemented with the biochemicals that they need FarCenter Jan 2013 #77
Just because a thing can be done doesn't mean it should be REP Jan 2013 #78
Ethics, schethics. If domestic dogs and cats didn't control the rodent population in my neighborhood slackmaster Jan 2013 #51
Without cats to keep the mice and rat population under control... OldDem2012 Jan 2013 #27
Yep... Sylvarose Jan 2013 #37
I like that my cat polices the property for rodents ... Auggie Jan 2013 #29
Yes. Prey animals go bye-bye. aquart Jan 2013 #38
And murderous people kill billions of animals every year. Arugula Latte Jan 2013 #39
yes, +1 stuntcat Jan 2013 #73
Keep cats indoors cabot Jan 2013 #43
coyotes have been feasting on the feral cat population. JRLeft Jan 2013 #47
Which is a good thing.. Upton Jan 2013 #54
Yeah, it's good because it helps the coyote population explode! joeybee12 Jan 2013 #74
Heck of a lot better than feral cats.. Upton Jan 2013 #75
Problem is, feral cats, even though feral, will stay somewhat close to civilization... joeybee12 Jan 2013 #76
awwww Liberal_in_LA Jan 2013 #59
I simply have to disagree with the findings. hamsterjill Jan 2013 #60
Put a bell on your cat bongbong Jan 2013 #62
cat stalks bird then decides against it Liberal_in_LA Jan 2013 #64
LoL! Crepuscular Jan 2013 #71
Yeah, I can almost imagine the cat's thoughts: "Holy crap! I better leave this one alone." Liberal_in_LA Jan 2013 #80
this is why JitterbugPerfume Jan 2013 #70
Cats can be prolific killers no doubt. Kalidurga Jan 2013 #72
And this is why they want to ban them in New Zealand. hollysmom Jan 2013 #79
 

loli phabay

(5,580 posts)
1. well its in their nature to hunt and kill as a top predator. im shocked that this surprises people.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 01:00 PM
Jan 2013

justabob

(3,069 posts)
16. I sort of understand the defense of songbirds, but
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:29 PM
Jan 2013

in my neighborhood, it is mostly disgusting grackles and city pigeons, lots and lots of them. I would love for the neighborhood cats to have at 'em. There are way too many, especially the grackles. OTOH I like the robins, cardinals, mockingbirds, jays and the wood peckers and wouldn't like for the kitties to have them for dinner. I wonder if cats can be trained to specialize what bird breed they go after.

CreekDog

(46,192 posts)
46. for their health and the health of wild animals, kitties are wonderful and need to be kept inside
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:11 PM
Jan 2013

if you cannot bring yourself to keep a kitty inside, if you get any in the future, train them to be indoor cats and they will be healthier and better for your neighborhood.

justabob

(3,069 posts)
55. I have four
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:20 PM
Jan 2013

and they are all inside cats. I'd still like something done about the effing grackles that swarm my city.

RKP5637

(67,032 posts)
56. My kitty found me when a stray years ago and his eyes had just opened. He's been inside with
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:21 PM
Jan 2013

me always and hates the outdoors. ... is a 7x24 companion ... he just loves the indoors and being pampered. What a deal he has!

Bake

(21,977 posts)
81. The sound a bird makes (or maybe it's the cat) when it's being shredded
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 07:57 PM
Jan 2013

is blood-curdling. Our neighbor has a cat which he lets out periodically and out of nowhere you'll hear this screaming sound. And then you'll find a pile of feathers/debris.

Bake

 

fishiefish

(23 posts)
50. That's an ignorant statement
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:15 PM
Jan 2013

A cat doesn't differentiate between endangered and non endangered species and there are certainly endangered species habitats within the roaming area of domestic cats.

Starboard Tack

(11,181 posts)
15. How are they contributing to "mass extinction?"
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:26 PM
Jan 2013

Cats are natural hunters. They are not designed to be locked in a house. De-clawing and feeding them from a can does not change their nature.

Starboard Tack

(11,181 posts)
66. Yes Romulus Quirinus, designed.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:55 PM
Jan 2013

You know, like humans are designed to walk upright, cars are designed to roll on wheels. Cats are designed, or have designed themselves through their particular evolution to live by hunting, while also making a non-aggression pact with humans.

CreekDog

(46,192 posts)
48. they aren't natural when they are housepets!
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:12 PM
Jan 2013

jeez. what's so complicated about this.

cows are natural herbivores, do they not affect the environment as well?

Starboard Tack

(11,181 posts)
68. Sorry, I'm not getting your point.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 05:06 PM
Jan 2013

Are you saying it's unnatural to keep them as house pets? I think it is natural for people to keep pets, but they come with responsibilities.
Regarding cows, of course they affect the environment, especially when they come into contact with humans.
I am an animal lover and spend a fair amount of time watching birds, which I'm surrounded with. I am also a proponent of wind energy and frustrated by those who want to limit wind farms because of bird migrations. Not that it shouldn't be a major concern, but not something which is insurmountable.

alittlelark

(18,886 posts)
14. Mine are only interested in rodents... the bigger the better.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:26 PM
Jan 2013

Rats, moles, mice, and the occasional "what the hell was that thing".

RebelOne

(30,947 posts)
19. I could have used your cats last year
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:32 PM
Jan 2013

when I was besieged with rats. A field was being cleared behind me and drove all the rats into my house. I had to call a pest control service, which cost me $350 to kill 18 rats. It would have been cheaper to get a cat, but my Chihuahua hates cats.

DollarBillHines

(1,922 posts)
49. Mine, too - gophers
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:14 PM
Jan 2013

I hate gophers. When the cats drag a live one up, I hang it in my resident crow's favorite oak and let the crow kill it

union_maid

(3,502 posts)
7. My cat couldn't kill a bird if his life depended on it
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 01:06 PM
Jan 2013

He has trouble just finding his food in the kitchen. I did have one cat who got a mouse that was in the house. Luckily we don't get many mice because most of the cats I've had over the years wouldn't have bothered.

I don't know what's stunning about it, however. Cats are preditors and obligate carnivores besides. Nature is a bitch.

zazen

(2,978 posts)
33. hah! my fluffball once ran in fear from a large cockroach
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 03:15 PM
Jan 2013

I do love my backyard birds and get the point, but where are the mousers when you need them? We currently have a mouse problem, and I do not personally want to kill them. Maybe I could rent a pet owl or something.

CBGLuthier

(12,723 posts)
8. It is called NATURE. From it we get the word NATURAL.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 01:07 PM
Jan 2013

Anyone who tries to stop the true nature of cats is a fool wasting their time. If my cats did not kill mice I would toss them out on their lazy asses.

 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
9. One excellent reason to own a cat you keep indoors
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:03 PM
Jan 2013

is that you will not have rodents inside the house.

I'm speaking from experience.

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
10. We had cats growing up specifically to keep mice out of the shed and garden
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:04 PM
Jan 2013

Kind of seems to defeat the purpose...

narnian60

(3,510 posts)
32. I once saw my two cats watch a mouse
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 03:14 PM
Jan 2013

snatch a piece of dog food out of the bowl and scurry away under the stove. Oh, well, live & let live.

fizzgig

(24,146 posts)
11. here comes the indoor/outdoor cat war
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:11 PM
Jan 2013

i keep my cats indoors because we live at a major intersection and i don't want them flattened. they have been able to go outside at other places i've lived. growing up, and to this day, the cats at home have had been able to come and go as they pleased. they're more about the rodents than they are the birds.

pansypoo53219

(20,908 posts)
12. i only have indoor hostages.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:20 PM
Jan 2013

the curent 2 would have been bird killers, now they must be content w/ bugs. basil is good. watched him get an earwhig + ate the corpse. but i had to help him nab the BIG centipede. + he has gotten 2 mice.

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
13. If only we could train cats to hunt Common Grackles.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:24 PM
Jan 2013

They don't seem to have a natural predator in this country other than hawks, yet I see plenty of hawks and they don't appear to go after the millions of grackles.

I recall reading that originally this bird was brought over to the US to help immigrating Europeans feel more at home, but I don't know how true that is.

I do know that they are one of the biggest threats to native songbirds, as they take over nests, pushing eggs out in favor of their own. I believe this is called "nest predation".

justabob

(3,069 posts)
21. I just posted the same thing :)
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:33 PM
Jan 2013

Grackles are awful. They are EVERYWHERE and multiplying steadily. I dislike them very much.

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
30. As they say
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 03:08 PM
Jan 2013

Great Minds Think Alike

What I hate about them the most is seeing less and less of the birds I do like, especially Mockingbirds. Still plenty of sparrows around, but it's rare to see a Mockingbird any more. People are going to forget what it's like to be dive-bombed by one! Not to mention hearing their wonderful songs

justabob

(3,069 posts)
40. yes :)
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 03:52 PM
Jan 2013

I still have a ton of mockingbirds in my neighborhood, but I don't think I have ever been dive bombed except by blue jays. Friends of mine have had issues with mockingbird noise, but again, I have not had the pleasure. I just think they're pretty. My favorite neighbor birds are the woodpeckers. We don't have very many, and they moved down the street, so the noise from them is minimal. I wouldn't be sad if I NEVER saw another grackle, no matter how pretty their feathers are.

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
41. I only see the various "normal" songbirds on occasion.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:00 PM
Jan 2013

I live next to a high-tension power right-of-way and railroad tracks, so I see some hawks out there and sometimes an owl. However, I also see the literal clouds of grackle flocks in the evenings, and roosting on the traffic lights in the mornings. The sparrows have taken over the two young oaks we have in our apartment courtyard, but they quiet down at night. They're only truly noisy in the evenings, and that doesn't last.

The one saving grace about grackles is that they are smart enough to get off the road when a car is coming. Doves on the other hand... (No, I haven't run over any, but have come to complete stops while waiting for them to just see my car and get out of the way.)

justabob

(3,069 posts)
53. too bad the grackles are quick, I say run them down
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:18 PM
Jan 2013

I really don't like them, or their dumb friends, the pigeons. Doves are ok, but there are starting to be a lot of them in the city too. They started turning up more when the drought was worse, I think. I wish we could swap out the sickly, ugly and dumb city pigeons for the prettier and much less annoying doves. I think the pigeons contributed to the west nile outbreak we had too, IIRC. Oh well, life in the big city. Good to chat with you again.

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
63. Well, I don't like killing any animals,
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:34 PM
Jan 2013

though I figure the inattentive drivers will take up my slack

Nice chatting with you too. Now back to work!

justabob

(3,069 posts)
65. I am only hostile toward grackles
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:50 PM
Jan 2013

I do not plan on going out into my yard to actually act on it, but I do feel very hostile to that particular variety of bird.

Have a good rest of the day!

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
31. Thanks :)
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 03:12 PM
Jan 2013

It's interesting that San Antonio imports predators to protect their tourism business. Of course, all that does is chase the grackles out of that area of town, and does little to control the population.

I know I've read that the grackle population is shrinking, yet it's still big enough to have a huge impact on the rest of the native birds. There needs to be a balance, or all we'll have left are grackles, pigeons, and sparrows.

REP

(21,691 posts)
23. Say WHAT?
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:37 PM
Jan 2013

Reminds me of one of the funniest posts on alt.bizzare, which went along the lines of, "Cat design makes no sense. Efficient ruthless killing machines and yeah, let's make them cute as hell."

Melinda

(5,465 posts)
18. I have 2 indoor, 1 indoor/outdoor - and he's a hunter.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:31 PM
Jan 2013

He was a feral rescue kitten neutered at 11 weeks, and he has fought all his life to be outdoors. He has to roam and hunt at night, regardless the weather, and he crosses a fairly busy street all the time. He looks both ways (usually) before he crosses. There is no keeping him in, but the other two who came to our family from the same circumstances won't go outside, period.

And he always comes home in the early morning (sometimes with treats) to claim his queen sized bed and sleep all damned day.

He likes both rodents and birds equally. He's a happy cat. But after reading this article... me? Not so much.

REP

(21,691 posts)
20. I'm pretty sure my cats have killed exactly zero birds ... rodents, not so sure
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:33 PM
Jan 2013

They never go outside, ever (not safe to let them go out where I live + lack of interest on their part). I can't vouch for rodent deaths - I've lived in apartments forever, and I've never, ever had a rodent problem. Ever. I know they've killed many, many bugs.

 

joeybee12

(56,177 posts)
22. Given who was running the study, I'm sure the numbers inflated...
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:37 PM
Jan 2013

That said, a cat's natural prey is mice...that's what they prefer, and that's how they've evolved to best kill...look at the size of the jaw and the spacing of the teeth.

 

alphafemale

(18,497 posts)
82. I've never witnessed a cat kill a bird that wasn't already injured.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 08:12 PM
Jan 2013

Though I'm sure it happens.

They are absolutely necessary at keeping rodents in check.

Crusades against cats doing, what cats do, have not good outcomes.

 

FarCenter

(19,429 posts)
35. Amazingly enough, there is vegan cat food
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 03:18 PM
Jan 2013
http://www.petfoodshop.com/

2 lb, 13 oz of Gourmet Fondue Veggie Cheese Burger Flavor Cat Kibble is only $22.95.

http://www.evolutiondietstore.com/addtocart.sc?productId=78&quantity=1

Seems pricey, but when you go for GMO-free, organic, heavy metal free nutrition fortified with a bunch of biochemicals that are in animal but not plants, it is expensive.

REP

(21,691 posts)
42. Not ethical to feed an OBLIGATE CARNIVORE a vegan diet
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:03 PM
Jan 2013

Cats cannot help being what they are, and what they are is obligate carnivores; that is, an animal that by its genetic makeup must eat the tissue of other animals in order to survive. Feeding such an animal a meat-free diet is needlessly cruel and the height of human hubris.

 

FarCenter

(19,429 posts)
77. The vegan cat diet has to be supplemented with the biochemicals that they need
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 06:10 PM
Jan 2013

For example, cats cannot synthesize taurine in their pancreas, as do humans. Therefore, they have to get it from meats, which contain about 0.1% taurine (while vegetable products contain negligible taurine). Taurine can be synthesized and does not have to be extracted from animals. The synthesized taurine can be added to the cat food.

There are several other biochemicals that occur in animals, do not occur in plants, and are essential for cat health that must be added to a vegan cat diet.

REP

(21,691 posts)
78. Just because a thing can be done doesn't mean it should be
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 06:21 PM
Jan 2013

And forcing an obligate carnivore to become "vegan" to please human ideals is one of the dumbest things ever. The idea behind veganism - which I admire, incidentally - is to reduce animal suffering, especially suffering for human's sake. Forcing a cat to eat food that is detrimental to his/her health makes a mockery of this ideal. It would be better for a vegan who cannot tolerate feeding a cat the diet a cat is built for to not have cats as companions.

I have the feeling we probably agree ... I just feel pretty strongly about not torturing cats with such diets

 

slackmaster

(60,567 posts)
51. Ethics, schethics. If domestic dogs and cats didn't control the rodent population in my neighborhood
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:17 PM
Jan 2013

...it would be impossible for backyard gardeners to grow any kind of food crops, except maybe garlic.

OldDem2012

(3,526 posts)
27. Without cats to keep the mice and rat population under control...
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 02:50 PM
Jan 2013

...we would be overrun by the pests in very short order. Same with birds. And both carry diseases that can spread to humans.

Additionally, what we're seeing is the natural predatory actions of animals in the wild, even though some of those cats may rest at somebody's home during the day.

So, what's really behind these so-called "studies" about cats?

Sylvarose

(210 posts)
37. Yep...
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 03:20 PM
Jan 2013

....when people start this whole "bad kitty" thing I can't help but think back on Europe's persecution of cats during the middle ages and the Black Plague. Took them along time to figure out that they were killing one of their best defenses at the time against the disease.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Cats,-People,-and-the-Black-Plague---Those-Who-Kept-Cats-Survived&id=161249

I keep my cats indoors..because it helps them live longer and my neighborhood has enough cats roaming it. However, I do recognize that a) cats play in important role pest control especially in a densely populated area and b) mankind poses a greater threat to songbirds as we destroy their habitats and import invasive species (i.e. Grackles).

IMHO

SR

Auggie

(31,068 posts)
29. I like that my cat polices the property for rodents ...
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 03:02 PM
Jan 2013

I don't like it when she brings them inside though.

 

Arugula Latte

(50,566 posts)
39. And murderous people kill billions of animals every year.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 03:41 PM
Jan 2013

Enough with the cats-kill-birds. Yeah, we know.

Our cats have always been indoors only.

People need to spay and neuter and stop getting animals from fucking breeders.

stuntcat

(12,022 posts)
73. yes, +1
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 06:01 PM
Jan 2013

With all the horror humans do to all the animals I will not single out an animal species to hate on.

Cats should not be outdoors. ALL cats and dogs should be spayed and neutered and ALL breeding stopped. Not that they should go extinct, they won't anyway, it's just completely out of control.

cabot

(724 posts)
43. Keep cats indoors
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:06 PM
Jan 2013

They do kill exotic birds or endangered birds. If we can't let dogs run loose, then cats shouldn't be allowed to roam around either.

 

joeybee12

(56,177 posts)
76. Problem is, feral cats, even though feral, will stay somewhat close to civilization...
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 06:08 PM
Jan 2013

and the coyotes follow.

A better option is TNR to reduce and manage the feral population.

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
60. I simply have to disagree with the findings.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:24 PM
Jan 2013

I have managed a TNR colony for over ten years. The cats in the colony are well taken care of and fed regularly each day. They are all spayed or neutered, vaccinated and monitored for any veterinary needs.

The colony is located in a natural area where there are plenty of birds. Not once have I seen one of the cats going after a bird. The cats aren't hungry, so they are not interested in hunting.

Studies like this periodically surface to try to attempt to diminish the success rate of TNR colonies. I simply disagree with their findings.

TNR works.

 

bongbong

(5,436 posts)
62. Put a bell on your cat
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 04:33 PM
Jan 2013

The neighbor's cat roams all over the place against the law (local law here specifies no cat allowed outside of your yard, but she's a repig, so that's why she ignores the law)

At least she put a bell on her cat.

Crepuscular

(1,057 posts)
71. LoL!
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 05:13 PM
Jan 2013

That Kitty made a wise decision or that hawk would have likely had a main course of house cat to go with his squirrel appetizer.

Kalidurga

(14,177 posts)
72. Cats can be prolific killers no doubt.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 05:47 PM
Jan 2013

Our family had a cat, that had three legs due to being caught in a trap. It didn't seem to slow her down at all. She still brought us presents. Birds, bunnies, and small rodents, she liked putting them headless in my mother's shoes. Sometimes she would just leave them on the front walk, I guess those were for everyone else.

hollysmom

(5,946 posts)
79. And this is why they want to ban them in New Zealand.
Tue Jan 29, 2013, 06:44 PM
Jan 2013

No euthanasia, just spay them all and let them die out, and no more importing.

My dog is a killer, but dogs are not allowed to wander around. She kills small rodents in places they don't belong, like my garage. Unlike cats, she is not amused by killing, just a quick kill, no torture or play.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»More news about murderous...