Approximately
15 percent of all animals admitted to the Chintimini Wildlife Rehabilation Center
for treatment have been injured by cats
and dogs. This does not even include
the number of orphaned babies that are brought in because their parents were
killed by these domesticated pets.
Domesticated pets, especially cats, have a tremendous impact on wildlife populations.
It is estimated that over one billion songbirds, plus countless small mammals,
amphibians, and reptiles are killed annually nationwide by cats alone. In conjuction
with a decline in songbird populations due to pollutants and loss of habitat
in parts of their ranges, these numbers are significant.
More than half of all neotropical migrant songbirds are currently in a state
of decline. Pet owners need to be responsible and take appropriate actions to
ensure that their pets do not contribute to the decline of wildlife species.
This means keeping pets under control at all times.
Keep dogs fenced in and on leashes when outside a fenced yard. Keep your cats
indoors at all times. While it is typically argued that pet owners cannot humanely
keep pets confined at all times (especially cats), the fact is, you can provide
a safe, quality indoor environment for your pets while at the same time protecting
wildlife.
Cats and Wildlife
Cats cause problems with wildlife by both hunting activities and as disease
vectors.
Cats maim and may kill wild animals such as squirrels.
Cats have a large impact on songbird populations.
Cats
kill wildlife that are food for many predators such as hawks, owls, foxes,
snakes, and bobcats.
Cat bites transmit Pasteurella bacteria that is deadly to birds and
small mammals.
Cats can transmit diseases to wild felines. Cougars are becoming infected
with feline leukemia virus (FelV) and the endangered Florida panther with
feline distemper, probably from contact with domesticated cats.
Dogs that are left to run loose sometimes form packs and often chase and
kill wildlife and livestock.
In Oregon, dogs seen chasing wildlife or livestock can be legally destroyed
and their owners fined.
When
dogs chase wildlife that may already be under stress, especially during the
winter, the wild animal may use up a lot of its energy and could die.
Why is Wildlife so Vulnerable?
It is natural for almost all young birds to leave the nest before they become
skilled flyers and spend a day or two on the ground. These fledglings are
vulnerable to cat attacks.
Cats and dogs prey on ground-nesting birds and mammals as they sit on their
nests protecting their helpless babies.
Cats, no matter how well fed, will hunt small, wild animals. Collar bells
on cats don't work because birds and other wildlife do not associate bells
with being stalked.
Birds at and around birdfeeders provide an easy target for cats.
What you can do
Keep your cats indoors and your dogs fenced in or tied up, which is best
for their health and longevity.
Spay or neuter your pets to prevent them from breeding with feral (semi-wild)
animals.
Leash-train your cats or develop an outside run that allows your cat to
exercise and be outside but keeps it confined.
Make your home "cat-friendly" by providing toys and a viewing window, and
by always giving lots of love, attention, and playtime.
Keep neighborhood cats away from your birdfeeders by placing your feeder
at least five feet off the ground and in a non-revealing place.
Spray water on cats that enter your yard.
Don't feed stray cats and dogs. Instead, contact the humane society about
dealing with these strays.
Approximately
15 percent of all animals admitted to the Chintimini Wildlife Rehabilation Center
for treatment have been injured by cats
and dogs. This does not even include
the number of orphaned babies that are brought in because their parents were
killed by these domesticated pets.
Cats
kill wildlife that are food for many predators such as hawks, owls, foxes,
snakes, and bobcats.
When
dogs chase wildlife that may already be under stress, especially during the
winter, the wild animal may use up a lot of its energy and could die.