Hunting
You can't help admiring the versatile skills that cats have, and sadly, they are often very efficient hunters.
However, there is increasing evidence that urban cats mostly catch introduced animals like mice, rats, sparrows and thrushes, and in the city do not have such a big impact on the native fauna. However, there are some techniques which can be used to reduce a cat's efficiency.
Collars with TWO BELLS do make it considerably harder to sneak up on birds, although some really expert cats can glide through the grass so smoothly that they don't jangle them. There is a special ‘beeping’ collar called the Liberator that reduces bird hunting effectiveness by 80%. It makes it easier for the cat to catch rodents though because the beeping noise the collar makes when the cats jump actually attracts a rodent’s attention and immolbilises it for a split second.
Curfews for cats are being considered by councils. There are many difficulties implementing such a system, but there is actually a great deal of benefit to be derived from keeping your cat indoors, especially at night. The nocturnal animals are safe, your cat is less likely to be run over or stray, and you have a guaranteed warm comforter in residence! Consider closing the catflap at dinnertime, it may save more than you realise.
Permanent indoor living is also a reasonable option. If a cat does not go out at all for the first year of life, they are usually quite content to remain a completely indoor cat. Many cats in other cities live a happy and full life either in flats, or in houses but going out under supervision or even on a harness and lead. The additional benefit is that if a cat has not learned to hunt by the age of a year, she is unlikely to acquire a great deal of skill and will not be a threat.
Desexing your cat is one of the best deterrents also, as there are no kittens to feed, nor have to find homes for (where they may not be kept from hunting).
Back in Egyptian times, the contract that mankind had with cats was that in return for being worshipped and sheltered, cats would catch the mice and rats that were eating the Great Grain Stores which were the feature of the new civilisation. Cats have kept their side of the bargain, but we keep changing ours – we want the cats for their companionship and non-verbal communication, for the unconditional love we keep hoping we're getting from them. They need our respect as much as our love and attention and food. Enjoy your cat's company, she may be with you for TWENTY YEARS...!
YOUR CAT CAN BE PROTECTED BY:
- Desexing,
- Flu & Enteritis vaccination,
- Leukaemia vaccination,
- Heartworm tablets,
- monthly Flea Control,
- Worming for Intestinal worms,
- Worming for Tapeworms,
- Identichip,
- Keeping in at Night
- Raw Bones for teeth.