Post by ZandraJoi on Apr 20, 2021 10:29:55 GMT -5
healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2021/04/20/are-cats-a-threat-to-wildlife.aspx
Story at-a-glance
Most U.K. cat owners allow their pets outdoor access; wildlife advocates believe cats should not be allowed to roam free outdoors due to their propensity to hunt and kill wildlife
A recent U.K. study suggests that these kitties are less likely to hunt and kill wildlife when fed a fresh high meat protein diet, as well as when they get 5 to 10 minutes of daily object play with their humans
The study also shows that cat bells do little to protect wildlife, collar covers reduce the number of birds killed but not mammals, and puzzle feeders containing kibble actually increase cats’ predatory behavior
Indoor-only cats are safer and healthier than free-roaming indoor/outdoor cats, but it’s also very important to find ways to give them safe access to the outdoors either through regular walks or a catio-type enclosure
Since cats are strict carnivores, a balanced diet rich in fresh animal meat, fed raw or gently cooked meets their nutritional needs and reduces the urge to kill prey animals; indoor hunting feeders and puzzles can help answer your cat’s drive to hunt, and provide both physical and mental stimulation
My notes: We are fortunate to have a walkout basement with a cat door leading to our big cat enclosure with 6' high fence. We also bought Cat-fence-in to stop creatures from getting in & from ours getting out. Tho ours have no desire to leave the safety.
I encourage people to have cats not free roam. I grew up on acreage with farms all around. We always had strays. But now, there are options. If they are outside, take the time & money to build the fence. If they are inside, invest in a cat patio.
@beckea Bob @dazzal ellyfant Emerald lammchen @lilac safeinsanity @shaliza stluee topsilver
Story at-a-glance
Most U.K. cat owners allow their pets outdoor access; wildlife advocates believe cats should not be allowed to roam free outdoors due to their propensity to hunt and kill wildlife
A recent U.K. study suggests that these kitties are less likely to hunt and kill wildlife when fed a fresh high meat protein diet, as well as when they get 5 to 10 minutes of daily object play with their humans
The study also shows that cat bells do little to protect wildlife, collar covers reduce the number of birds killed but not mammals, and puzzle feeders containing kibble actually increase cats’ predatory behavior
Indoor-only cats are safer and healthier than free-roaming indoor/outdoor cats, but it’s also very important to find ways to give them safe access to the outdoors either through regular walks or a catio-type enclosure
Since cats are strict carnivores, a balanced diet rich in fresh animal meat, fed raw or gently cooked meets their nutritional needs and reduces the urge to kill prey animals; indoor hunting feeders and puzzles can help answer your cat’s drive to hunt, and provide both physical and mental stimulation
My notes: We are fortunate to have a walkout basement with a cat door leading to our big cat enclosure with 6' high fence. We also bought Cat-fence-in to stop creatures from getting in & from ours getting out. Tho ours have no desire to leave the safety.
I encourage people to have cats not free roam. I grew up on acreage with farms all around. We always had strays. But now, there are options. If they are outside, take the time & money to build the fence. If they are inside, invest in a cat patio.
@beckea Bob @dazzal ellyfant Emerald lammchen @lilac safeinsanity @shaliza stluee topsilver
