Killer cats threaten songbirds, small mammals

A newAmerican study has found domestic catskill billions of birds and small mammals across the United States each year and last week in New Zealand a well-known economist called for the eradication of all catsdue to their tollon native birds, reptiles and mammals.

In Ottawa, cats are also being blamed for maiming and killing large numbers of birds spurring somebird enthusiaststo call oncat owners to keep their pets indoors.

Patty Summers, a staff member at theWild Bird Care Centre, said she agrees.

Earlier this month, after being clawed and bitten by a cat,amourning dove was brought in for treatment, one of300 wild birds treated there each year.

Summers saidmost birds arebrought in by cat owners.

Strays, feral cats the worst offenders

The study by US scientists found the worst offenders are strays and feral catscats that live in the wild. Many of these cats live in coloniesand theyare oftensupported by cat lovers.

Thereare several colonies of feral cats in Ottawa but even some cat lovers are getting tired of them.

"Myconcern is they roam all over the yards and then they do their business on the yards," said Rosina Gagnon.

But Frieda, who lives nearby anddeclined to provide herlast name, feeds and shelters the wild cats.She argued her feral friendsor any outdoor cat are performing an important service.

"Ifyou happen to have mice or rats, the cats will go after the mice for food," she said.

The OttawaHumane Society regularly captures feral catsneuters or spays themand returns them to the wild. But the society also encourages cat owners to keep their pets indoors.

Preserving local songbirds is not the only reason why Eileen Barak, director of outreach atthe humane society, recommended cats stay inside.

"Outdoor cats have a shorter livespan," said Barak."They can run into complications outdoors which can be a danger to their health."