What should we do with our feline friends, let them go out whenever they want or keep them indoors to keep us company? This is the question that is always followed by long debates, and it is difficult to agree on the answer. But a new study takes a strong stance on the matter.
In fact, it seems that researchers have come to the conclusion that the best thing to do would be keep our cats indoors. Or at least that should be the case for those who live in the American capital, Washington, DC
“We found that the average house cat in DC is 61% likely to be in the same space as a raccoon.” said Daniel Herrera, an author of the study at the University of Maryland. “Additionally, there is a 61% Red Fox and 56% Virginia Opossum overlap.”
This exposes cats to a considerable risk: raccoons are in fact among the major carriers of rabies, together with foxes and – to a lesser extent – opossums. “By letting our cats run wild, we are significantly endangering their health.” Herrera explained.
That’s not counting the other reasons why we should restrict our cats from being outdoors. Indeed, as we know, cats are skilled hunters, causing very often devastating damage to local fauna. According to the study, cats dislike hunting species not native to the place like ratsbut prefer to hunt smaller prey, belonging to the local ecosystem.
Finally, the study specifies how cats are not necessary predators of the ecosystem in which they are found. The probability of finding a cat in one habitat seems to be closely related to human population density. In other words, we bring our feline hunters to the places we live, rather than they inhabiting an area naturally. This too has contributed to cats becoming an invasive species in many parts of the world.
So what is the solution? According to Herrera, it’s as simple as keeping our feline companions indoors, especially if we find ourselves in situations where they might interact with local wildlife. It’s not just about the conservation of local wildlife, but also about the happiness and health of our cats, who depend on our care.
