In a recent survey from across the pond that may
dampen the Internet’s unwavering devotion for funny felines, scientists have
concluded that domestic cats in the United Kingdom are posing a serious threat
to local bird populations, which has steadily declined over the years. Conservationists
have since been trying to convince obstinate cat owners to be more mindful of
their pet’s hunting behavior and look into options that would prevent any more
birds winding up dead on their doorsteps. If action to protect native bird
species isn’t taken soon, the U.K. is going to be known as the crazy cat lady
of the world.
The University of Reading’s Dr. Rebecca Thomas
had initiated the survey in response to the scientific community’s longtime
sneaking suspicion that house cats and their high densities in urban areas were
responsible for the decrease in the population of birds that resided in towns
and cities. Thomas surveyed various owners, questioning them on the number of
small creatures they brought home, their opinion on this behavior, and whether
or not they were inclined to remedy this situation.
The results of the survey showed that nearly 20%
of domestic cats had returned with four or more dead animals a year, with only
22% of owners having been gifted with these critter cadavers. Factoring in the
knowledge that cats tend to take one out of the three animals they preyed upon
back home, on average, scientists estimated that each individual cat in the
study makes 18.3 kills a year. It may not seem like much, but according to
Thomas it is a cause for alarm:
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