Keep Your Cats Inside to Save Wildlife
On Japan’s remote Ogasawara Islands, the red-headed wood pigeon made a stunning comeback after the species was on the brink of extinction. How did researchers at Japan’s Kyoto University achieve this extraordinary accomplishment? They trapped and relocated 131 feral cats! Cats hunted the pigeons to fewer than 80 birds in the early 2000s. In relocating the cats, the scientists removed the invasive predators from the pigeon’s natural habitats. The pigeon population began rebounding in only three years after the cats’ relocation. For genetic reasons, the pigeons were able to reproduce at a high rate with minimal mutations from inbreeding.
Outdoor cats are responsible for hunting and killing over 2 BILLION birds and 6 BILLION other mammals annually just in the United States. The problem is not just feral cats. The University of Georgia found that domestic cats bring just 23% of their captured prey to their human owners, meaning we see only a small fraction of the feline impact on local wildlife.
Cats are considered an invasive species in Virginia, as they are not part of the natural ecosystem here. Even the presence of cats in a particular area can cause wildlife to desert their nests and dens, resulting in 40% fewer bird fledglings.
We all love our cats, but for their safety and as an easy way to support Virginia wildlife, keep Kitty inside. With enrichment toys, puzzles, and other forms of mental stimulation and physical exercise, your cat can be just as happy staying indoors, allowing wildlife to enjoy long natural lives, too!
Written by Elizabeth O’Malley
