Indoors or Outdoors? An International Exploration of Owner Demographics and Decision Making Associated with Lifestyle of Pet Cats

Animals, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 11(2), P. 253 - 253

Published: Jan. 20, 2021

Outdoor access for owned domestic cats (Felis catus) is a divisive issue. Cat safety, mental and physical wellbeing, infectious diseases, wildlife depredation are cited as factors influencing owners; however, the degree of consideration each factor receives has not been quantified. This study (i) analysed which demographic variables associated with greater odds having indoor or outdoor lifestyles, (ii) identified owners consider when making choice on lifestyle any regional variations, (iii) if different options available recognise their benefits. A series online surveys were used data collection. Binary logistic regression models to generate ratios assessing significantly cat lifestyle. Quantitative analysis considered deciding was accompanied by thematic rich-text open-ended responses, providing nuanced insight into rationale elucidating additional considered. Of tested, 10/12 Variables higher indoor-only lifestyles being 26–35 years old, multi-cat households, junior cats, pedigree unknown status, health issues, living in city centres urban areas, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. indoor-outdoor 46–55 old 56+ households residents 17 under, male mature senior. Road traffic concerns most reason keeping across all global regions. The second-most varied regionally. For Europe, it protection from people. USA wildlife, Australia Zealand, prevent hunting. Indoor-outdoor frequently benefits cat’s health. Over two-thirds did alternative cat. These give priorities regards feline depredation, helpful individuals organisations working human behaviour change. They provide evidence that numbers likely rise increasing urbanisation. Finally, identify populations who may be at risk compromised welfare due unsuitable, under-researched, lifestyles.

Language: Английский

---

Provision of High Meat Content Food and Object Play Reduce Predation of Wild Animals by Domestic Cats Felis catus

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 31(5), P. 1107 - 1111.e5

Published: Feb. 11, 2021

Predation by domestic cats Felis catus can be a threat to biodiversity conservation,1-3 but its mitigation is controversial.4 Confinement and collar-mounted devices impede cat hunting success reduce numbers of animals killed,5 some owners do not wish inhibit what they see as natural behavior, perceive safety risks associated with collars, or are concerned about device loss ineffectiveness.6,7 In controlled replicated trial, we tested novel, non-invasive interventions that aim make positive contributions husbandry, alongside existing hunting. Households where high meat protein, grain-free food was provided, households 5-10 min daily object play introduced, recorded decreases 36% 25%, respectively, in captured brought home cats, relative controls the pre-treatment period. Introduction puzzle feeders increased 33%. Fitting Birdsbesafe collar covers reduced birds 42% had no discernible effect on mammals. Cat bells effect. Reductions predation made non-invasive, nutrition behavior their tendency hunt, rather than These measures likely find support among who welfare implications other interventions.

Language: Английский

---

We need to worry about Bella and Charlie: the impacts of pet cats on Australian wildlife

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 47(8), P. 523 - 523

Published: Jan. 1, 2020

Research and management attention on the impacts of introduced domestic cat (Felis catus) Australian fauna have focussed mainly feral population. Here, we summarise evidence for predation by pet cats wildlife. We collate examples local wildlife population decline extirpation as a result, at least in part, cats. assemble information across 66 studies worldwide (including 24 studies) to estimate toll Australia, plus pressure per unit area residential areas. compared these estimates those published Australia. The capita kill rate is 25% that However, live much higher densities, so pets square kilometre areas 28–52 times larger than rates natural environments, 1.3–2.3 greater km2 living urban Pet species more often do but, nonetheless, native animals killed still There no exert significant control species. high areas, documented declines extirpations populations caused cats, potential pathways other, indirect effects (e.g. from disease, landscapes fear, ecological footprints), context extraordinary fauna, together support default position are serious should be reduced. From technical perspective, can reduced effectively humanely while also enhancing welfare. review options reducing discuss opportunities challenges improved

Language: Английский

---

Introduced cats Felis catus eating a continental fauna: inventory and traits of Australian mammal species killed

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 49(4), P. 354 - 368

Published: Aug. 19, 2019

Abstract Mammals comprise the bulk of diet free‐ranging domestic cats Felis catus (defined as including outdoor pet cats, strays, and feral cats) in most parts their global range. In Australia, predation by introduced has been implicated extinction many mammal species, ongoing decline extant species. Here, we collate a wide range records (including on Australian mammals model traits extant, terrestrial, native species associated with relative likelihood cat predation. We explicitly seek to overcome biases such continental‐scale compilation excluding possible carrion for larger accounting differences distribution abundance potential prey well study effort, throughout each species’ For non‐volant was greatest an intermediate weight (peaking at ca. 400 g), lower rainfall areas not dwelling rocky habitats. Previous studies have shown rates be these traits. As such, provide first link between through quantitative analysis. Our (151 or 52% complement) is substantially greater than previously reported (88 species) includes 50 listed threatened IUCN under legislation (57% Australia's 87 terrestrial species). identify likely (mulgaras Dasycercus spp., kowari Dasyuroides byrnei , smaller dasyurids medium‐sized large rodents, among others) hence benefit from enhanced mitigation impacts, translocations predator‐free islands, establishment predator‐proof fenced exclosures, broad‐scale poison baiting.

Language: Английский

---

Caught on camera: The impacts of urban domestic cats on wild prey in an African city and neighbouring protected areas

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 23, P. e01198 - e01198

Published: July 20, 2020

Domestic cats (Felis catus) have contributed to the extinction of indigenous species worldwide, but impacts in Africa are unstudied. We compare prey returned home from three questionnaire surveys (2009, 2010 and 2013/14) Cape Town, South Africa, with footage some same wearing animal-borne video cameras (KittyCams), assess differences actual predation vs. returns. Town borders Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), so may on animals a protected area. Urban edge (UE) deep urban (DU) did not differ rates, suite killed differed significantly. KittyCams revealed that most was nocturnal, only 18% recorded were home, thus kill 5.56 times more (averaged across all taxa) than returns data suggest. Reptiles constituted 50% prey, 17% returns; mammals 24% 54% Non-native represented 6% by UE DU cats, respectively, pointing high cost cat for native fauna. Applying correction factor 5.56, average domestic kills c. 90 (95% CI = 59, 123), animals.year−1. Thus, approximately 300 000 27.5 million animals.year−1, TMNP is likely lose 203 500 annually within its boundaries. The scale this necessitates conservation options minimise wildlife, particularly near areas.

Language: Английский

---

Counting the bodies: Estimating the numbers and spatial variation of Australian reptiles, birds and mammals killed by two invasive mesopredators

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 28(5), P. 976 - 991

Published: March 15, 2022

Abstract Aim Introduced predators negatively impact biodiversity globally, with insular fauna often most severely affected. Here, we assess spatial variation in the number of terrestrial vertebrates (excluding amphibians) killed by two mammalian mesopredators introduced to Australia, red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) and feral cat Felis catus ). We aim identify prey groups that suffer especially high rates predation, regions where losses foxes and/or cats are substantial. Location Australia. Methods draw information on tallies reptiles, birds mammals Australia from published studies. derive for predation (i) modelling continental‐scale density, (ii) frequency occurrence diet, (iii) analysing individuals within dietary samples (iv) discounting animals taken as carrion. point estimates numbers annually map these tallies. Results Foxes kill more (peaking at 1071 km −2 year −1 than (55 across unmodified temperate forested areas mainland reflecting generally higher density environments. However, continent – mainly arid central tropical northern (and Australian islands) foxes. estimate together 697 million reptiles 510 1435 mammals. Main conclusions This analysis demonstrates species takes a substantial ongoing toll Continuing population declines potential extinctions some threatens further compound Australia's poor contemporary conservation record.

Language: Английский

---

Fire‐related threats and transformational change in Australian ecosystems

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 31(10), P. 2070 - 2084

Published: April 11, 2022

Abstract Aim Megafire events generate immediate concern for wildlife and human well‐being, but their broader ecological impacts likely extend beyond individual species single fire events. In the first mechanistic study of effects focussed on ecosystems, we aimed to assess sensitivity exposure ecosystems multiple fire‐related threats, placing in context changing regimes interactions with other threats. Location Southern eastern Australia. Time period 2019–2020. Major studied Australian ecosystems. Methods We defined 15 threats based mechanisms associated with: (a) direct regime components; (b) between physical environmental processes; (c) biological interactions; (d) activity. estimated a sample 92 ecosystem types each threat type published relationships spatial analysis 2019–2020 fires. Results Twenty‐nine assessed had more than half distribution exposed one or types, only three those were listed as nationally threatened. Three posed most severe large numbers types: high frequency fire; pre‐fire drought; post‐fire invasive predator The affected ranged from rain forests peatlands, included some, such sclerophyllous eucalypt heathlands, that are traditionally regarded fire‐prone fire‐adapted. Main conclusions Most fires became apparent when they placed whole its threatening processes, not consequences megafire event itself. Our approach enables ecosystem‐specific management responses threatened be targeted at underlying causes degradation decline.

Language: Английский

---

Perverse outcomes from fencing fauna: Loss of antipredator traits in a havened mammal population

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 281, P. 110000 - 110000

Published: March 13, 2023

Populations of threatened animals are increasingly preserved within predator-free havens, where populations tend to grow rapidly, resource competition increases, and traits relevant avoiding predation may be selected against. We examine this phenomenon using a ten-year longitudinal dataset on Australian mammal; the woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi). Behavioural morphological data were collected during routine monitoring havened population an adjacent wild predators occur, from which six relating predator escape extracted. Paired comparisons revealed that woylies less likely show injuries excessive agitation in traps, eject pouch young, had shorter approach distances compared outside haven, suggesting dampened antipredator response. Further, body mass relative leg length declined over time population, with no change selection haven against size. Population density affected size traps differently non-havened populations, indicating interaction between relaxed hastens loss anti-predator traits. Our study offers mechanistic understanding responses is essential for guiding how could managed better realise their potential recovering fauna.

Language: Английский

---

Faunal responses to fire in Australian tropical savannas: Insights from field experiments and their lessons for conservation management

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 27(5), P. 828 - 843

Published: Nov. 11, 2020

Abstract Aim Fire is particularly frequent, complex and contentious in the vast tropical savannas of northern Australia, where declines many threatened species are associated with fire, substantial areas under fire management for greenhouse gas abatement. Controlled field experiments crucial understanding biodiversity responses, here I present key insights into faunal responses to that have been revealed by them, along their lessons management. Location Australian monsoonal tropics. Methods Results synthesized from six replicated conducted include multispecies assessments fauna. The synthesis also draws on other studies presented form five responses. as follows: (a) most groups extremely resilient highly contrasting regimes often having little or no detectable impact abundances, at least medium term; (b) important effects typically indirect through habitat modification, even when there direct mortality; (c) intensity not a factor widely thought; rather, frequency important; (d) will always be winners losers any fire; (e) required maintenance diversity. Main conclusions These implications conservation savannas: needs focus fire‐induced changes suitability, consider outcomes landscape scale; combination frequently (every 2–3 years) less ≥5 burned may adequately conserve great majority animal without need mosaics; special attention frequent‐fire because an low representation longer‐unburnt habitat; actively managed promote diversity, excluded. applicable grassy ecosystems more generally, some appear universal fire‐prone biomes.

Language: Английский

---

Cat-dependent diseases cost Australia AU$6 billion per year through impacts on human health and livestock production

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 47(8), P. 731 - 731

Published: Jan. 1, 2020

Abstract ContextCats are the definitive or primary host for pathogens that cause diseases in people and livestock. These cat-dependent would not occur Australia if cats had been introduced, their ongoing persistence depends on contacts with cats. Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite cycles between any other warm-blooded animals. People infected by T. may appear asymptomatic, have mild illness, experience severe, potentially lethal symptoms; also affect behaviour mental health. major contributor to spontaneous abortion sheep goats. Two species of Sarcocystis, another genus parasite, cycle through sheep, causing macroscopic cysts form tissues reduce meat saleability. Toxocara cati, cat roundworm, causes minor illnesses humans livestock, bacterium Bartonella henselae scratch disease, an infection can be contracted when scratched bitten carrying pathogen. AimsWe estimated economic costs Australia. MethodsWe collated national global data rates, health production consequences. Key resultsWe two (toxoplasmosis, disease) at AU$6.06 billion (plausible range AU$2.11–10.7 billion) annually, livestock from toxoplasmosis sarcocystosis AU$11.7 million AU$7.67–18.3 million). Most human due associations higher rates traffic accidents illness people. The causality behind these remains uncertain, so those overestimated. Conversely, our estimates incomplete, infections under-reported misdiagnosed, understanding disease outcomes still imperfect, all which make underestimated. ConclusionsOur analysis suggests substantial benefits public could realised reducing exposure breaking transmission cycles. ImplicationsReducing feral populations farming urban areas, pet population increasing containment help burden

Language: Английский

---