Cat Beasts & Feathered Prey

Question:

I was truly dismayed reading your article in the Albuquerque Journal last Sunday. Feral cats are well known to be a major threat to small birds. The numbers of wild birds have dropped in America since researchers began counting in 1970. Some estimates are 30%.

If someone had a pet lion or tiger and let it roam the neighborhood hunting children, would that be acceptable? Of course not. You may not want to admit it, but feral cats are an invasive exotic species, just like the Cheatgrass, Salt cedar, and Tumbleweed. You telling people to respect their freedom-loving pets and help them spend all of their time outdoors killing whatever they can overpower is not helpful.

Dr. Nichol:

Cats are not indigenous to North America but they’re not the only menace to our ecosystem. Horses, cattle, and nonnative plants have also upset the apple cart.

Louie the feral kitty, who refuses his store bought condo, and my cat and I are part of the problem. But there is no going back, is there? Cats, snuggly pets and feral hunters, will not be rounded up and shipped back to North Africa where they came from. Horse racing and hamburgers are also here to stay.

Some cats do fine indoors, many don’t. They’re wild. And, while they have created havoc, there are other predators. Native beasts like eagles, falcons, owls, foxes, and racoons are also guilty. Cats who venture outside can wear a bell, a cat bib, or neck bling called birdsbesafe. Check it out. No self-respecting sparrow would be caught dead near a cat wearing a getup like this.

Managing our planet for the benefit of future generations of people and other species is a sacred obligation. More than wars and our myriad of divisive social issues, it is climate change that may spell our collective ruin. Public figures with a reliable record on this issue get my vote. In the meantime, you and I can do our best to improve the lives of wildlife, pets and the people who love them.

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Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Email pet behavior or physical questions to or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.