| Domestic cats are often well fed. However, | | | | killed are songbirds, which are already under |
| most pet owners are still amused as why their | | | | the threat of extinction due to other factors |
| cats kill rodents, birds and still do not eat | | | | such as destruction of natural habitat and |
| them. The reason is, unlike other predators, | | | | pollution. Cats have contributed to the |
| the cat's desire to hunt is not to eat its | | | | extinction of population of species such as |
| prey. They hunt it because they have an | | | | least terans birds, Piping Plovers, |
| inborn hunting instinct in them. This | | | | Loggerhead Shrikes and starlings in the U.S. |
| instinct is so strong that they continue to | | | | The situation is no different in other |
| hunt the preys around them. Nevertheless, | | | | continent such as Australia, where species of |
| this habit of hunting had severe impact on | | | | birds such as blackbirds, mynah, parrot, |
| some species. In some places, the impact of | | | | galahs, and crimson rosellas are on the verge |
| hunting is such that it has lead to | | | | of extinction. In Florida, cats have hunted |
| extinction of several species. Thus, hunting | | | | many birds such as Shrikes, pigeons and other |
| has considerably reduced the counts of small | | | | native birds, due to which they are one the |
| birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, thereby | | | | verge of extinction. In addition, the |
| threatening the census of wild life. Apart | | | | existence of Marsh rabbits, American gold |
| from this, domestic cats are troubling the | | | | finch and hens, and other small mammals are |
| native predators too, for example predators | | | | also in danger. Feral cats have hunted many |
| such as hawks, weasels, fox, do not find | | | | endangered species such as Malas, which were |
| enough food for their survival. As a result, | | | | recovered successfully by the wildlife |
| the existence of these species is in danger | | | | authorities. Steps To Prevent The Impact Of |
| too. Alarming Decrease In Most Species: Cats | | | | Hunting: Try to keep the cats indoors. |
| are carnivorous animals. Studies depict that | | | | Confinement reduces unwanted reproduction and |
| feeding habits of most domestic cats include | | | | predation of life. Tie bell belts in their |
| mainly household foods such as fish and meat | | | | necks because whenever cats stalk prey, it |
| products. In addition, these cats hunt 70% of | | | | will alarm the prey and prevent unwarranted |
| small mammals and 20% of birds to gratify | | | | hunting. Declawing is also another important |
| their hunger. Studies also depict that | | | | step, which pet owners may consider. It will |
| domestic cats kill nearly 1000 animals each | | | | reduce the intensity of hunting among |
| year. Cats in small towns kill an average of | | | | domesticated cats. Thus, although, hunting is |
| 14 birds each year. Rural domestic cats kill | | | | a very natural ability of cats, it has |
| more animals than urban cats. Researchers say | | | | significantly increased the mortality of the |
| that rural cats in Wisconsin kill around 8 to | | | | birds. |
| 17 million birds every year. The more | | | | |
| accurate data state that cats kill around 39 | | | | Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free |
| million birds annually. In addition, | | | | ebook about Cats and Kittens at Cats. Cat and |
| nationwide, rural cats kill around billions | | | | Kitten Zone also has information on Kittens, |
| of small mammals and millions of birds. | | | | Cat Supplies and a Cat and Kitten Forum where |
| Moreover, urban felines and suburban felines | | | | you can connect with others who love cats and |
| are also adding to this count. Some cats kill | | | | kittens. |
| house mice, rodents and other pests but most | | | | |