Eh, it’s honestly not as bad as what most people make it out to be. The idea that non-feral cats are blood thirsty extinction machines is largely the product of people not being very good at interpreting scientific studies.
The majority of studies about cats being killing tens of billions of birds a year is based on data extrapolated from a few studies of feral cats or the introduction of cats to islands. Introducing any new species of plant or animal can be devastating to island habitats, so that data shouldn’t be utilized when applied to the norm. And the studies of birds being killed on the mainland confirm that the majority of birds are being killed by feral cats, who have a much much greater predatory drive than the normal house cat.
If we take away any understanding from these studies it should be that if we want to save more birds, people should try and domesticate feral cats, or at least feed them to minimize their predation of birds.
Oh for sure, it’s definitely better for the cats and the environment to keep them inside. I just don’t think perfect should be the enemy of good.
I’ve just met some people who are militant to the point where they want to euthanize all outdoor cats. When in reality we could make a ton of progress by just feeding strays and getting them spayed and neutered.
I have about half a dozen of the neighborhood ferals that I’ve gotten spayed and neutered. They won’t ever be lovey dovy indoor cats, but they are fed, lazy, and completely uninterested in our bird feeders anymore.
That’s a great thing you’re doing for them and the local environment. I heartily applaud it.
My aunt is a stray cat fancier, but she does it with the misguided goal of someday winning their love. I think she finds the remoteness of their affection enthralling, and I can’t tell if it’s toxoplasmosis or emotional immaturity.
I like your approach better. Live and let live, I say.
Eh, it’s honestly not as bad as what most people make it out to be. The idea that non-feral cats are blood thirsty extinction machines is largely the product of people not being very good at interpreting scientific studies.
The majority of studies about cats being killing tens of billions of birds a year is based on data extrapolated from a few studies of feral cats or the introduction of cats to islands. Introducing any new species of plant or animal can be devastating to island habitats, so that data shouldn’t be utilized when applied to the norm. And the studies of birds being killed on the mainland confirm that the majority of birds are being killed by feral cats, who have a much much greater predatory drive than the normal house cat.
If we take away any understanding from these studies it should be that if we want to save more birds, people should try and domesticate feral cats, or at least feed them to minimize their predation of birds.
I’m open to nuance here, but isn’t there also pretty solid evidence that indoor cats are themselves healthier and safer?
Oh for sure, it’s definitely better for the cats and the environment to keep them inside. I just don’t think perfect should be the enemy of good.
I’ve just met some people who are militant to the point where they want to euthanize all outdoor cats. When in reality we could make a ton of progress by just feeding strays and getting them spayed and neutered.
I have about half a dozen of the neighborhood ferals that I’ve gotten spayed and neutered. They won’t ever be lovey dovy indoor cats, but they are fed, lazy, and completely uninterested in our bird feeders anymore.
That’s a great thing you’re doing for them and the local environment. I heartily applaud it.
My aunt is a stray cat fancier, but she does it with the misguided goal of someday winning their love. I think she finds the remoteness of their affection enthralling, and I can’t tell if it’s toxoplasmosis or emotional immaturity.
I like your approach better. Live and let live, I say.
Generally live longer too.