JACKSON, Wyo. — While it might be tempting to let cats roam the ample wild spaces of Jackson Hole, research suggests free-roaming pet cats are a top contributor to the mortality of wild birds in the U.S.
According to the American Bird Society (ABS), free-roaming cats kill approximately 2.4 billion birds every year in the U.S. ABS points to predation by domestic cats as the “number-one direct, human-caused threat to birds in the United States and Canada.”
A 2020 peer-reviewed study finds that pet cats have an ecological impact that is greater than native predators in any given area, in large part because their impact is concentrated in a small territory or range. The research identifies domestic cats as the primary cause of human-related mortality for birds and small mammals in the states, a greater threat than poisons, pesticides and structure or vehicle collisions.
Additional research shows the resulting mortality of prey species due to pet cat predation does not help control prey populations; instead, those mortalities directly impact available food sources for native mammal, reptilian and avian predators. Wyoming Public Media previously reported that cats can have anywhere from four up to 10 times the impact of a wild predator.
Studies mentioned above also emphasize the impact of cat-transmitted diseases that can kill a range of species, including species that might be threatened. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight toxoplasmosis in particular, an infection caused by a parasite that is endemic to cats. Cats can get toxoplasmosis by eating infected rodents and birds, or anything contaminated with another cat’s feces containing the microscopic parasite. The CDC says cats can shed the parasite into the landscape for up to two weeks.
The CDC also notes the parasite can live in an environment for multiple months and contaminate soil, water and grass where ungulates graze. Cornell Wildlife Health Lab confirms moose and bison, as well as bears, are susceptible to toxoplasmosis infection. While some animals or species can be asymptomatic, there are others, like young animals, that can experience symptoms and even death.
This research suggests that the best prevention of predation and disease is keeping pet cats indoors. While this scientific consensus can be a controversial one, there are steps cat owners can take to enhance the lives of cats indoors.
In a past interview with Buckrail, Sam Diaz, PAWS director of programs and enrichment, said there are physical, cognitive and environmental ways to enrich a cat’s life if the owner chooses to keep it inside. Physical ways include exercise and play.
“Play is the number one way to provide indoor cats with physical enrichment,” Diaz said. “Be sure to rotate their toys to help keep them novel and exciting.”
Diaz says feather wands, lasers and fishing poles give cats an appropriate outlet for their prey drive.
Changing up meals or providing a food puzzle for them are other, more cognitive-based ways to enhance a cat’s indoor environment.
“Never underestimate the excitement of a cardboard box.”
Sam Diaz, PAWS director of programs and enrichment
“Hold onto those empty toilet paper rolls to make your own slow-feeding toys!” Diaz says. “Use wine corks and pet-friendly spices to add fun new scents to the environment. Never underestimate the excitement of a cardboard box.”
Diaz also notes that changing the indoor environment to provide more vertical climbing space, scratching opportunities and hiding spots is essential. Diaz noted there are also safe ways of allowing cats to experience the outdoors, either by training them on a harness and leash or building an enclosed cat patio, or “catio.”
While Diaz acknowledged that the choice of indoor or outdoor cat is up to the owner, she does recommend considering the higher risk of disease, parasites, larger wildlife predation on cats, road dangers and toxins that outdoor cats experience themselves. For those who do continue to let pet cats roam freely, recent research suggests colorful collars and bells might be able to reduce domestic cats’ impact on wildlife, although it does not reduce the role they play as disease agents.
This story runs annually.
