How Pets Affect Our Wildlife

Domestic pets like cats and dogs are one of the most destructive human-caused threats to native wildlife!

In the United States, there are about 58.3 million pet cats and 30-80 million feral cats. As such, outdoor and feral cats kill about 2.4 billion birds annually and are responsible for the extinction of many mammals, birds and reptiles. Feral cats are the world’s largest non-native, invasive species and will instinctively hunt and kill wildlife even if they are well fed.

Domestic dogs also attack our native wildlife and negatively affect our ecosystems. There are approximately 89.7 million dogs in the U.S. that are equally problematic for our PA animals. While there are less stray and feral dogs in the U.S. than cats, domestic dogs can still cause problems.

Why Should All Cats Be Indoors?

The safest place for your cat is inside a home or outdoors in a protected enclosure. As mentioned above, outdoor and feral cats are responsible for killing millions of wild animals each year. Because cats are not a natural threat to wildlife, the lack of adaptation to this invasive species causes damage to our ecosystems.

Outdoor cats also have significantly shorter lifespans compared to indoor cats because of illnesses and injuries. Cats outside face threats from cars, traps, parasites, poisons, relocation and diseases. Even cats that occasionally go outdoors are susceptible to these threats. To keep your furry friends active indoors, consider stimulating them with different forms of play.

Is It Okay if My Cat Kills Rodents?

Rodents are critical to our ecosystems. Mice are the primary source of food for predatory birds like hawks, owls and falcons, and mammals like foxes and coyotes. Removing rodents from an ecosystem is detrimental to the entire food chain.

Does a Wild Animal Become Injured if My Cat Plays With It, Then Lets It Go?

Although it may look like an animal has escaped a cat attack, most die. Some injuries caused by cats are not visible like puncture wounds but will cost an animal its life. Cats also harbor harmful bacteria on their teeth and claws that often result in severe infections. Even the stress of a cat attack can cause death to some animals.

What Can I Do if My Neighborhood Has Many Stray Cats?

Irresponsible dumping of cats has resulted in overpopulation in many urban areas. The best way to combat a feral cat colony is to participate in trapping efforts. Trapping cats, removing them from wild habitats and placing them in sanctuaries or homes helps keep both them and our wildlife safe. Spaying/neutering outdoor cats also prevents offspring and the continuing population growth. Even indoor cats should be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted offspring from strays in the area.

If you’re unable to assist with trapping, you can help prevent cats from interacting with wildlife. Remove any feeders from areas where cats are known to frequent.

How Can I Convert My Outdoor Cat to an Indoor Cat?

This process may take some time and patience, but it’s overall safer for your cat and for all wildlife.

Spaying or neutering your cat can help change its behavior. It can cause them to be less aggressive and less interested in being outside.

Cats are still animals and need their natural instincts to be stimulated so that they can live happily. Providing them with lots of attention and play time will allow them to express natural hunting urges. Providing indoor activities like cat grass and climbing shelves can also keep your cat engaged while they’re indoors.

If your cat still needs outdoor time, you can provide them with an outdoor enclosure — like the ones we use for some of our patients! You can also give your cat supervised time outdoors or walks on a harness.

Do I Need To Watch My Dog Outside Even if They Don’t Kill Animals?

Absolutely! Dogs, similar to cats, can attack and kill wildlife even if they’re well fed — and just because they haven’t before, doesn’t mean they never will. Even if a dog doesn’t kill an animal, an attack can be deadly.

Dogs are also susceptible to a variety of diseases that can be transmitted from a wild animal. It is possible for domestic dogs to contract sarcoptic mange, canine distemper and rabies from wild animals. While all three of these are rare, it’s better to monitor your dog outside than to take the risk.

Do you still have questions after reading the information above? Contact us or a local wildlife rehabilitator!

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Resources

Answering the Call of the Wild by Erin Luther. Toronto Wildlife Centre
The Cost of the Outdoor Cat and Dog by Emily Garrigan et al. Raven Ridge Wildlife Center
7 Simple Actions To Help Birds. Bring Birds Back

Pet and Wildlife Interactions