SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Yes, your adorable cat is considered an invasive species.
These animals inhabit all parts of the world and kill billions of birds each year.
Cats have been a friend to mankind since they were domesticated around 12,000 years ago, but as they have made their way to every corner of the world, they pose a threat to other species.
While dogs are considered invasive as well, cats pose a more intensive threat to wildlife.
The American Bird Conservancy found that there are more than 100 million feral and outdoor cats that have an enormous impact on the environment.
All cats are carnivorous mammals, which means they eat meat.
Domestic cats regularly like to hunt if given the opportunity.
Felines eat a wide range of animals, notably around 2,084 different species, including:
- Small rodents
- Moles
- Shrews
- Rabbits
- Birds
- Lizards
- Reptiles
- Snakes
- Large insects
- Fish
While cats are a popular pet to have, they have been cited as the number one cause of bird death in the U.S., with cats killing birds more than building windows, cars and power lines.
Domesticated cats alone are fruitful, with one female cat able to have three litters per year with two to four kittens a litter.
The size and number of cats only in the U.S. are growing at a rapid rate, with trap-neuter-release, TNR, methods considered a solution.
Unfortunately, studies have shown that TNR is counterproductive as it promotes the abandonment of owned cats and can be considered inhumane.
On the other hand, researchers at the National Feline Research Council say that cats, on average, feed on birds that are sick, weak or young.
They also state that there are not enough studies to prove that cats have reduced the bird population and refer to habitat loss to be the main cause of the declining bird population.
Labeled an invasive species by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they note that cats can pose a threat to humans by transmitting parasites and diseases like rabies and toxoplasmosis.
If this is said about cats, the same can be said about any other animal as all mammals can contract rabies, but the proximity to humans is where cats take the cake.
How you can treat the invasive threat
Keep cats indoors: This helps to protect your cat as well as other animals they prey on.
Don’t feed outdoor cats: This does not necessarily stop feral cats from their natural hunting behavior but compounds the issue by supporting feral cat colonies.
Spay and neuter pets: This helps to reduce overpopulation and eliminates the risk of ovarian, uterine and breast cancers.