Why feral cats are a problem Understanding the ecological and social impacts feral cats present a significant problem due to their devastating impact on native wildlife, contribution to the spread of diseases, and strain on animal welfare resources. The predatory habits of feral cats pose a significant threat to native wildlife, particularly on islands and in isolated ecosystems Birds, small mammals, and reptiles that lack natural defenses against cats are particularly vulnerable Studies have shown that feral cats contribute to population declines, and in some cases, the extinction of native species Impact on bird populations photo by.
This study presents an estimate of mortality caused by cats in the. Feral cat colonies negatively impact songbirds, small mammals, amphibians, and other native wildlife populations Feeding programs are not recommended because they concentrate cats and wild animals into single areas, which can increase disease transmission and pose greater threats to native wildlife in the area. Domestic cats are highly skilled predators, and studies have shown that even when fed daily by humans, cats continue to hunt wildlife.3,4,5 domestic cats have tremendous impacts on wildlife and are responsible for the extinction of numerous mammals,6,7 reptiles,8,9and at least 33 bird species.10 the bp deepwater horizon oil spill, widely considered to be the worst environmental.
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