this post was submitted on 13 Dec 2023
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Environment

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Domestic cats “amongst the most problematic invasive species in the world” (www.theguardian.com)
submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by Jho@beehaw.org to c/environment@beehaw.org
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[A study] show[s] [that domestic cats] eat more than 2,000 species globally – including hundreds that are of conservation concern.

“Our study sheds light on the predatory habits of one of the world’s most successful and widely distributed invasive predators,” the researchers, led by Christopher Lepczyk from Auburn University in the US, wrote in the paper.

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[–] luciole@beehaw.org 16 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (2 children)

There’s a lot of strong wording in the thread so please let me bring a little bit of perspective. I’m not trying to change anyone’s mind.

The fact that endangered species are being hunted by domestic cats is often a consequence of humans transforming natural habitats into suburbs. Animal welfare organizations have also spoken out in the past against sudden outdoor cat bans. Some papers have had a more nuanced outlook as well, raising questions about the welfare of cats confined indoors for their whole existence, unable to act out on their natural behaviour.

What I’m trying to say is that as with all controversial topics, it’s easy to get caught up but it’s useful to remain cool and curious. ^(Please^ ^don’t^ ^hurt^ ^me.)^

[–] cobra89@beehaw.org 14 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

I guess my only comment is that even if being kept inside all the time is bad for cats (which is really yet to be seen, cats live much longer lives on average indoors, but I guess it depends on what you mean by "good" for cats) you still can't justify bringing an invasive species into an area where they're not meant to be and justify it by saying "it's bad for their health". Then let cats be outside where they're native. Let them be outdoors in Europe where they're not as much of a threat and prey is more adapted to them. But letting them be outside in places like the US because it might be better for their health while it's been proven to be bad for the health of hundreds of other species is silly, and I think anyone that is looking at it objectively can agree with that.