What is a cats environmental impact?
Cats are typically considered household pets, but in some cases, they are kept as livestock.
Regardless of their purpose, all cats produce environmental impacts.
The impact a cat has will depend on the type and size of the feline, its lifestyle, and the environment in which it lives.
The Problem
A recent study has shown that outdoor cats are the direct cause of the overpopulation of the feral cat community and contribute to the decline of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian populations.
Outdoor cats kill billions of animals every year, including endangered species.
They also spread diseases to wildlife populations.
Why let your cat outdoors?
In a study of veterinarians’ attitudes about outdoor cats, researchers found that most surveyed believed that cat owners provide their pets with outdoor access.
The study, published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, also found that a significant percentage of those surveyed felt that meat consumption is a major factor contributing to the problem of free-roaming cats.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Cats that live outdoors have a shorter life span than indoor cats.
The average outdoor cat lives one to five years, while the average indoor cat lives from eight to twelve years.
This is because outdoor cats are more susceptible to predators, disease, and accidents.
Outdoor cats are also bad for the environment because they can spread diseases to wildlife, and their feces can contaminate water supplies.
Diseases and Illness
According to the Humane Society of the United States, an estimated 70 million feral cats are living in the United States.
These cats can have a significant impact on the environment.
Feline leukemia, FIV (HIV) virus, and feline panleukopenia are just a few illnesses a cat can spread.
In addition, these cats can prey on wildlife, leading to population declines.
Predation by Other Animals
It is estimated that as many as eighty million feral cats live in the United States.
This large population of cats can devastate bird and mammal populations, as they hunt and kill these animals for sport or food.
However, even with the predation of cats, the United States still has an overwhelming feral cat population.
Environmental Impacts of Outdoor Living
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has released a report stating that living outdoors has environmental impacts.
The study monitored 144 households in Auckland, New Zealand, and found that those with pets and livestock had the highest environmental impact.
Implementing Education
The domestication of animals has been a longstanding part of human society.
Pets provide companionship and sometimes assistance with tasks such as hunting or herding.
However, over the years, there has been a shift in how domesticated animals are viewed.
Whereas once they were primarily used for labor or sustenance, they are now kept primarily for pleasure.
This change has led to development of new industries, such as pet care and animal husbandry.
One area where this trend is particularly evident is in the field of education.
Now dozens of colleges and universities offer degrees in veterinary medicine.
This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing popularity of pets and the expanding role of veterinarians in society.
Veterinarians play an essential role in both human and animal health.
Owning a Pet is a Responsibility
A feral cat is a cat that lives outdoors and has had little or no contact with people.
An estimated 60 million feral cats are in the United States, and their impact on the environment is significant.
Feral cats prey on native wildlife, spread diseases, and create noise and other disturbances.
Pet Owner Concerns and Solutions
Cats are the most popular pet in America for a good reason.
They are low-maintenance, independent animals that provide companionship and entertainment.
However, as with any pet, there are some things cat owners should be aware of to ensure their cats have a healthy environment.
One issue that is becoming more prevalent is the environmental impact of cats.
Leash walking or constructing a catio can help mitigate some of the environmental impacts of owning a cat.
A catio is an enclosed area where cats can roam outside safely, typically made out of materials like wire mesh or wood.
This allows cats to get fresh air and sunlight while still being within reach if something scares them.
Leash walking is another excellent option for allowing your cat some time outside without worrying about getting lost or hurt.
Final Thoughts, What is a cat’s environmental impact?
In conclusion, cats have a significant environmental impact.
They can prey on local wildlife, spread diseases, and consume large amounts of food and water.
While there are ways to reduce their effects, such as keeping cats indoors or using contraception, the most effective way to reduce their impact is to reduce the number of cats worldwide.
FAQs
How do cats help the environment?
Cats help the environment by controlling the population of rodents and other pests.
They also help to keep the area clean by hunting and eating prey that would otherwise die and decompose.
Why are cats invasive species?
There are a few reasons why cats can be considered invasive species.
Firstly, they have a high reproductive rate, meaning they can quickly populate an area.
Secondly, they are very adaptable and can thrive in various habitats.
Lastly, they often don’t have any natural predators, which allows them to spread unchecked.
Are cats part of the ecosystem?
Yes, cats are part of the ecosystem.
They help to control the population of rodents and other small animals.
What species have cats made extinct?
Generally, cats have not caused any species to go extinct, but they have played a role in the decline of specific populations.
For example, the introduction of feral cats into Australia has led to the extinction of several native animal species.
Further Reading
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0181301
