Biodiversity refers to the variety of species we have living here on Earth, from plant life to mammals, insects to fungi. However, our pet’s love of the great outdoors could be having a negative impact on biodiversity. This blog as part of our Pet Owner Sustainability series will focus on possible adaptations and considerations that could be made in order to support and sustain biodiversity while enjoying the benefits of owning a pet.
Cats are natural hunters, preying on a variety of species, worms, butterflies, insects, mice and birds to name a few. The most direct way cats have an effect on wildlife is through predation. For example, one study in 2003 estimated that cats in the United Kingdom, within a 5-month period, brought home 57 million mammals, 27 million birds and five million reptiles and amphibians. A paper in 2016, has reported cats currently endanger 367 species which are at risk of extinction.
A few ways to potentially mitigate these effects are:
- Keeping your cat inside at night time
This is often easier said than done if you have a cat who has been allowed outside at night from a young age. This option may not be for every cat or every pet owner, cats are creatures of habit, often sudden changes to their routine can be stressful. It may not be possible because of your work or life schedule. Therefore weighing up all the pros and cons for both yourself and your cat’s wellbeing should be taken into consideration.
Forming this habit when your cat is a kitten would be the best option. However, this will not prevent cats from catching prey during daylight hours. In addition, the location of your home and the time of year can affect what prey species are impacted by the presence of our pet cats. It should be noted, cats don’t always bring the prey they catch home, so bear that in mind if you think your cat isn’t a hunter.
- Use of a bell on your cats collar
A bell will alert birds and mice a little earlier to a predator sneaking up on them. However, they don’t tend to as effective on fledgling birds and eggs. Collars and a bell may not be tolerated by all cats, if this stresses them out at all then the may not be an option for your furry feline.
- Ensure predation playtime with your cat
Every cat is different as to what toys they prefer based on their individual instincts, whether a wand toy or a kickeroo. Ensuring you have toys available so they can stalk, pounce, swat and satisfy their hunting instinct is the way to go. Avoid using laser toys as these can lead to frustration.
- Consider installing cat proof fencing in your garden
In addition the hunting, an indirect way domestic cats affect wildlife can be with their mere presence alone. Firstly, their scent, smell and presence can disturb feeding patterns, behaviors, reproduction, foraging and stress responses of prey animals. Secondly, should your cat be sharing their habitat with another predator, such as a fox or a bird of prey, this increases the competition and availability for food.
Dogs are lovers of the great outdoors, running through grasses, fields and rivers. As responsible dog owners we should be respectful of the countryside code and consider the impacts our dogs may have on biodiversity. Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust found that dogs off lead were accountable for 40% of wildlife disturbances, compared to only 5% for dog who were on their lead. Here are a few top tips when you are out and about:
- Keep your dog under control and in sight at all times
- Do not disturb or damage dens and nests. Leave trees, sticks, stones and plants as you find them
- Ensure you walk and stay on marked paths
- Give wild animals, horses and livestock plenty of space
- Follow local signs and Open Access laws on where you can walk your dog and whether they should be kept on a lead
Did you know? On Open Access land your dog should be on a lead no longer than 2 metres in length, between 1st March – 31st July due to ground nesting birds and at all times when around livestock.
- Clear up after your dog and dispose of rubbish in dog waste bins
- Implement command training and habituation with livestock from a young age
We know that the environmental impacts human have on biodiversity are much more significant, however this shouldn’t negate some of the positive steps and changes pet owners can make to make the world more sustainable, not just for future pets, but flora, fauna, insects and fungi.
We appreciate adjusting routines for pets can be difficult to do. If you are thinking of making a change and want to discuss any of these topics further, please feel free to contact the clinic.