Killer kitties: cats are eating 2,000 species, including hundreds that are at risk
www.theguardian.com
The first study to quantify what our felines eat on a global scale finds they have a significant impact on wildlife

[A study] show[s] [that domestic cats] eat more than 2,000 species globally – including hundreds that are of conservation concern.

“Our study sheds light on the predatory habits of one of the world’s most successful and widely distributed invasive predators,” the researchers, led by Christopher Lepczyk from Auburn University in the US, wrote in the paper.

  •  Thalestr   ( @Thalestr@beehaw.org ) English
    15•7 months ago

    It really needs to be more socially acceptable to name and shame people that allow their cats to roam free outdoors. I’d also like to see some changes to pet ownership laws to prohibit/discourage it as well. A cat found outside a home (and not on a leash or in an enclosed cage) should immediately bring considerable financial repercussions down on the owner as well as removal of the cat from their “care”. If I get caught killing wild animals with my own hands (especially protected ones) then I am legally in deep shit, yet cat owners can get away with it with impunity. They’re basically letting a super predator roam free to slaughter wildlife while also putting it in incredible danger from other predators or cars.

    People that let their cats roam outdoors are absolutely fucking atrocious pet owners and should be treated as such.

    •  sibloure   ( @sibloure@beehaw.org ) 
      6•7 months ago

      My mom has several cats and I tried to tell her this but she insists “this is just what cats do” and it is the natural order for cats to roam free outdoors. She thinks people who say cats belong indoors are out of touch with reality.

          •  millie   ( @millie@beehaw.org ) 
            English
            1•7 months ago

            How is it disingenuous? Some indoor cats are totally fine, but some are freaked out scared little things living in a terrible environment who desperately want to escape.

            Some people treat the animals in their lives with dignity and a modicom of respect, others treat them like objects. My neighbor leaves his dogs in the cold all day. I’ve known people who kept cats in shitty little one room hoarder holes.

            Just because you don’t see them as sentient or whatever doesn’t mean I don’t.

            •  Vodulas [they/them]   ( @Vodulas@beehaw.org ) 
              2•7 months ago

              Seems like you should call animal control for a wellness check on your neighbor. People who abuse animals should not be allowed to keep animals as pets, totally agree on that. That isn’t indicative of every pet parent, though. I would say it isn’t even indicative of a large portion of them.

              Also, I never said they weren’t sentient. I said they aren’t humans. Saying that keeping them inside and happy is the same as kidnapping a person is just off base.