By Wanda Wierzbicki
There have recently been posts on our neighbourhood social media sites about cats. Sometimes people are concerned that a cat is lost or homeless. Other times people are annoyed with them. The issue is much more complex, as I learned during a talk by Jon Spero, Lead Keeper of Birds and Terrestrial Invertebrates at the Toronto Zoo.
Outdoor cats face a range of dangers, including increased risk of injury from traffic accidents and predation by other animals such as coyotes (we have a few in the area), foxes, racoons, and even birds of prey. Outdoor cats are also much more likely to contract diseases like rabies or feline leukemia.
Indoor cats live an average of 12 to 20 years, while the average lifespan of an outdoor cat is only around three years. It is estimated that 1,300 cats are killed by a car in Toronto every year. Essentially, allowing a cat to roam outdoors puts it in danger and significantly shortens its lifespan.
There are other important things to consider. Outdoor cats have a significant impact on local wildlife populations, particularly birds, due to their natural predatory instincts. Outdoor cats are a leading cause of bird mortality, contributing to declining bird populations. It is estimated that cats kill 200 million birds in Canada every year. Cats also threaten butterfly and moth populations. Did you know that domestic cats are recognized as one of the 100 top invasive species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)?
In 2022, according to a nationwide survey, there were an estimated 8.5 million cats in Canadian households. In the same year, there were approximately 7.9 million pet dogs in the country.
What can be done to reduce the impact of outdoor cats on birds and wildlife?
- Keep your cat indoors. Keep it entertained by offering plenty of toys, climbing structures and mental stimulation.
- If your cat likes being outside, consider getting a catio (“cat” + “patio”), which is an enclosed outdoor space that allows cats to enjoy fresh air while remaining safe from cars and predators. Catios also keep wildlife safe from your cat.
We no longer let our much-loved pet dogs roam free on the streets. Let’s start treating our beloved pet cats the same way. Keep your cat inside and on nice days, let it spend time outside in its own catio.