Author Emma Onyejekwe, RVN, APVN (Wildlife)

ABSTRACT Hunting behaviour is often considered normal for domestic cats and the impacts on wildlife are often discussed. Estimated figures are often published and some of these have been included in this article. Several wildlife rescues were contacted for their data. These data are for prey known to have been caught by a cat. Therefore, the number could be substantially higher, and other prey animals could have sustained injuries from cats or subsequently died before being taken to a wildlife rescue. By understanding cat owners’ perspectives on their pets’ hunting behaviour, suitable changes may be made to reduce predation on wildlife,
thus improving the welfare of both wildlife and cats. Veterinary nurses can aid in responsible cat ownership to help minimise the impact on wildlife.
Keywords domestic cats, responsible pet ownership, wildlife, predation, welfare, wildlife-friendly, cat behaviour, wildlife casualties

To cite this article: VNJ Volume 37 (3) July 2022 pp 20-25

DOI: 10.56496/UKPG3158

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