Outdoor cats and wild birds: a video discussion
Many birders know that pet cats allowed to roam outdoors as well as feral cats often prey on wild birds. Information from various sources, such as National Audubon Society and American Bird Conservancy, reinforce the negative effect that outdoor cats have on native wildlife. The topic's been a lightning rod for decades and likely will remain so, because humans place different priorities on domesticated cats and wild birds.
Cat Fancy - a monthly national magazine focused on responsible pet care - advocates indoor-only cats. Susan Logan, the editor, invited me to join her in a video discussion about wild birds and outdoor cats. We talked about various aspects of the situation, including trap-neuter-release programs and the effectiveness of TNR.
You'll find the video here, and I'm curious about your reactions to it.
Also, how would you reply to someone who says "We love the birds but the cats have to eat also"? Do you talk about this topic with friends and relatives who allow their pet cats to roam outdoors?
Cat Fancy - a monthly national magazine focused on responsible pet care - advocates indoor-only cats. Susan Logan, the editor, invited me to join her in a video discussion about wild birds and outdoor cats. We talked about various aspects of the situation, including trap-neuter-release programs and the effectiveness of TNR.
You'll find the video here, and I'm curious about your reactions to it.
Also, how would you reply to someone who says "We love the birds but the cats have to eat also"? Do you talk about this topic with friends and relatives who allow their pet cats to roam outdoors?
Labels: American Bird Conservancy, cat, conservation, National Audubon Society
posted by Amy at 9:59 AM
2 Comments:
This comment has been removed by the author.
liked the vid Hoop. As a cat owner and birder it does lead to conflicting emotions. What my girlfriend and I have done is harness train our cat so he can be outdoors, but his movements are restricted to the length of his leash and one of us is almost always outside with him. This keeps him and the birds safe from harm.
-France
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