Study

Predation of wildlife by domestic cats Felis catus in Great Britain

  • Published source details Woods M., McDonald R.A. & Harris S. (2003) Predation of wildlife by domestic cats Felis catus in Great Britain. Mammal Review, 33, 174-188.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Keep cats indoors or in outside runs to reduce predation of wild mammals

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation

Use collar-mounted devices to reduce predation by domestic animals

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Keep cats indoors or in outside runs to reduce predation of wild mammals

    A replicated study in 1997 in urban and rural areas in the UK (Woods et al. 2003) found that domestic cats Felis catus that were kept indoors at night brought home fewer dead or injured mammals than cats that were allowed outside. The average number of mammals brought home by cats that were kept indoors at night (6.0) was less than the number delivered by those that were allowed outside (8.9). Between April and August, cat owners recorded the number of prey brought home by 90 cats which were kept inside at night and 192 cats which were allowed outside. Only cats living in households with no other cats were included in the study.

    (Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)

  2. Use collar-mounted devices to reduce predation by domestic animals

    A replicated study in 1997 in urban and rural areas in the UK (Woods et al. 2005) found that domestic cats Felis catus wearing a bell brought home fewer dead/injured mammals than cats without a bell. The average number of mammals brought home by cats with bells fitted to a collar (5.6) was smaller than the number delivered by cats not wearing a bell (9.9). Between April and August, cat owners recorded the number of prey brought home by 92 cats which wore bells and 190 cats which did not wear bells. Only cats living in households with no other cats were included in the study.

    (Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha )

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