Scientists reveal cats eat over 2,000 different animal species after conducting new study
A recent study delves into the extensive impact that domestic and feral cats have on various wildlife species, revealing that these beloved household pets target an astonishing 2,084 different species. The familiar scene of waking up to a cat’s “gift” – often a mouse or songbird – takes on a more significant dimension when considering the vast range of species affected.
The study, perhaps the most comprehensive global synthesis of cat diet to date, underscores the indiscriminate predatory habits of cats. Essentially, if a cat can catch and kill it, it becomes fair game. The consequences of this behavior extend beyond mere inconvenience for pet owners, as cats emerge as the most prolific invasive predators, posing a threat to endangered species.
The statistics are stark: nine percent of known bird species, six percent of known mammal species, and four percent of known reptile species fall prey to cats. This doesn’t even account for the additional toll on insects. The impact is particularly pronounced on islands like New Zealand, where native species evolved in isolation, rendering them more susceptible to invasive predators like cats and rats.
The study’s authors express concern about the significant representation of species of conservation concern in cat diets, amounting to 16.65 percent. Cats have already been linked to 26 percent of global bird, mammal, and reptile extinctions, establishing them as major threats to many existing threatened species.
To conduct the study, researchers compiled data from over 500 previous studies on cat diet, creating a comprehensive overview of the range of animals vulnerable to cat predation. The severity of the issue has prompted legislative measures in some regions. For instance, an eastern suburb of Melbourne, Australia, has implemented a 24-hour curfew for cats, allowing only house cats outdoors.
In response to the growing awareness of the impact, some cat owners are adjusting their approach. Instead of freely letting cats roam outdoors, some are opting to walk their feline companions on a leash, mimicking the practices commonly associated with dogs. Despite their cuddly demeanor, the study emphasizes the significant harm that cats can cause to wildlife conservation efforts globally.