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{{KeyPoints

{{KeyPoints

|points = <br>

|points = <br>

* ''Felis silvestris'' is native to Europe, and would exist here without human intervention.

* ''Felis silvestris'' is a species native to Europe, and would exist here without human intervention.

* The impact of this species on wild bird and mammal species must be recognised.

* The impact of this species on wild bird and mammal species must be recognised.

* However, the relative size of the feral population, the impact of climate and public policy responsibilities for TNR programmes should be taken into account when making recommendations to control the activities of pet cats.

* However, the relative size of the wild and feral cat populations, the impact of climate and public policy responsibilities for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes should be taken into account when making recommendations to control the activities of pet cats.

* The impact on birds and mammals should not be generalised from countries where ''Felis silvestris'' is native to those where it is not, and vice versa.

* The impact on birds and mammals should not be generalised from countries where ''Felis silvestris'' is native to those where it is not (such as the USA), and vice versa.

* Increasing bird numbers by feeding birds and providing an insect and bird friendly garden does not appear to increase predation risk.  

* Increasing bird numbers by feeding birds and providing an insect and bird friendly garden does not appear to increase predation risk.  

}}

}}

==Hunting Strategies==

==Hunting Strategies==

Cats employ a variety of strategies when hunting, which are refined through experience. The two predominant strategies, "stalking" and "sit-and-wait", share the common feature of stealth;  the cat attempts to get close enough to its prey that it can make a final brief lunging attack at close range.  

Cats employ a variety of strategies when hunting, which are refined through experience. The two predominant strategies, "stalking" and "sit-and-wait", share the common feature of stealth;  the cat attempts to get close enough to its prey so that it can make a final brief lunging attack at close range.  

Cats appear to regularly use '''specific hunting locations''' where they have experienced a '''higher probability of encountering vulnerable prey'''. They move speedily between these locations, rarely deviating to take up unanticipated hunting opportunities. This implies that during an active period of hunting, cats prioritise their already established strategies for catching prey, rather than the discovery of new hunting sites or opportunistic exploitation of unexpected hunting opportunities. Hunting opportunities are time sensitive, due to the activity patterns of prey, but information about potential future hunting sites is available all the time.

Cats appear to regularly use '''specific hunting locations''' where they have experienced a '''higher probability of encountering vulnerable prey'''. They move speedily between these locations, rarely deviating to take up unanticipated hunting opportunities. This implies that during an active period of hunting, cats prioritise their already established strategies for catching prey, rather than the discovery of new hunting sites or opportunistic exploitation of unexpected hunting opportunities. Hunting opportunities are time sensitive, due to the activity patterns of prey, but information about potential future hunting sites is available all the time.

At a hunting location the cat will systematically survey the area i search of evidence for the presence of prey. The '''cat’s [[Ear - Anatomy & Physiology#Function - Hearing|hearing]] extends into the ultrasound''', not only enabling the cat to detect scratching sounds and vocalisations of rodents but also to precisely locate prey using hearing alone. When such sounds are heard, active prey seeking is activated. Hunting is also '''activated by the movement '''of anything within the cat's field of vision that is around the correct prey size.

At a hunting location the cat will systematically survey the area in search of evidence for the presence of prey. The '''cat’s [[Ear - Anatomy & Physiology#Function - Hearing|hearing]] extends into the ultrasound''', not only enabling the cat to detect scratching sounds and vocalisations of rodents but also to precisely locate prey using hearing alone. When such sounds are heard, active prey seeking is activated. Hunting is also '''activated by the movement '''of anything within the cat's field of vision that is around the correct prey size.

'''Sit-and-wait''' is the primary strategy for hunting rodents; once a cat finds an area where there are signs of prey, such as the scent of rodent urine close to a hole, it will then withdraw to a distance and wait. An attack occurs when prey moves into an open space away from a position of safety, and the cat judges that it will be able to mount a successful attack. During the last phase of a waiting period before an attack, the cat may perform paddling behaviour with its rear feet, which may prepare hind leg muscles to deliver maximum output during a dash and pounce.

'''Sit-and-wait''' is the primary strategy for hunting rodents; once a cat finds an area where there are signs of prey, such as the scent of rodent urine close to a hole, it will then withdraw to a distance and wait. An attack occurs when prey moves into an open space away from a position of safety, and the cat judges that it will be able to mount a successful attack. During the last phase of a waiting period before an attack, the cat may perform paddling behaviour with its rear feet, which may prepare hind leg muscles to deliver maximum output during a dash and pounce.

==Feeding preferences==

==Feeding preferences==

Cats are obligate carnivores, and exhibit a '''preference for prey that is different from what they have eaten in the past'''. This is termed a “monotony effect” and is argued to be a way of ensuring and balanced diet <ref name="Bradshaw">Bradshaw, J.W.S (1992) The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat. CABI, Oxford, UK.</ref>. Since cats cat hunt independently and catch only small prey that provide a single meal for an individual, they '''do not share food'''. Feeding is a solitary activity that carries '''no social meaning'''. Cats eat 10-20 small meals each day, according to the availability of prey.

Cats are obligate carnivores, and exhibit '''novelty preference''';  they are attracted to prey that is different from what they have eaten in the recent past. It is speculated that this “monotony effect” helps to ensure a balanced diet <ref name="Bradshaw">Bradshaw, J.W.S (1992) The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat. CABI, Oxford, UK.</ref>. Since cats hunt independently and catch only small prey that provide a single meal for an individual, they '''do not share food'''. Feeding is a solitary activity that carries '''no social meaning''' for cats. Cats eat 10-20 small meals each day, according to the availability of prey.

==Latrine use During Hunting==

==Latrine use During Hunting==

==The Impact of Predation==

==The Impact of Predation==

''Felis silvestris'' is a native species in most of Africa, Europe, central Asia, India, China and Mongolia. In these regions it forms a natural part of local ecology. Due to mutual tolerance between cats and humans, the density of cat populations can be much higher within and around human communities than in rural areas.

''Felis silvestris'' is a native species in most of Africa, Europe, central Asia, India, China and Mongolia. In these regions it forms a natural part of local ecology. Due to mutual tolerance between cats and humans, the density of cat populations can be much higher within and around human communities than in rural areas.

''Felis silvestris'' is not a native species in the Americas or Australia, so that the impact it might have on wildlife in those regions may be considered much more serious and intrusive to local ecology. In the USA, it is estimated that free-ranging domestic cats kill 1.4-3.7 billion birds and 6.9-20.7 billion small mammals each year <ref name ="Loss">Loss, S.R., Will, T., Marra, P.P. (2013) The impact of free-ranging domestic cats on wildlife of the United States. ''Nature Communications''. 4 (1396).</ref>.  

''Felis silvestris'' is not a native species in the Americas or Australia, so the impact it might have on wildlife in these regions may be considered much more serious and intrusive to local ecology. For example, it is estimated that in the USA free-ranging domestic cats kill 1.4-3.7 billion birds and 6.9-20.7 billion small mammals each year <ref name ="Loss">Loss, S.R., Will, T., Marra, P.P. (2013) The impact of free-ranging domestic cats on wildlife of the United States. ''Nature Communications''. 4 (1396).</ref>.  

This raises the issue of the impact of pet vs. feral populations. No current estimate of the UK feral cat population could be found, but the total population was estimated at 6 million in 1980, 1.2 million of which were feral <ref>Harris, S., Morris, P., Wray, S., Yalden, D. (1995) ''A Review of British Mammals: population estimates and conservation status of British mammals other than cetaceans'', Peterbourgh, U.K.: Joint Nature Conservation Committee.</ref><ref>Tabor, R. (1981) General biology of feral cats. In: The Ecology and Control of Feral Cats. The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, Potters Bar.</ref>. The current estimate of the UK pet cat population is 8 million, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association. This situation can be contrasted with Australia and the USA:

This raises the issue of the impact of pet vs. feral populations. No accurate current estimate of the UK feral cat population is available, but the total cat population was estimated at 6 million in 1980, with 1.2 million feral cats<ref>Harris, S., Morris, P., Wray, S., Yalden, D. (1995) ''A Review of British Mammals: population estimates and conservation status of British mammals other than cetaceans'', Peterbourgh, U.K.: Joint Nature Conservation Committee.</ref><ref>Tabor, R. (1981) General biology of feral cats. In: The Ecology and Control of Feral Cats. The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, Potters Bar.</ref>. The current estimate of the UK pet cat population is 8 million, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, and the population of feral cats is likely to be lower in 2014 than in 1980 due to active TNR and rehoming programmes over the last 30 years. The situation in the UK is quite different from Australia and the USA:

* Australia: 3 million pet cats, 10-20 million feral cats <ref>Jongman, E. C., Karlen, G.A. (1996) Trap, neuter and release programs for cats: a literature review on an alternative control method of feral cats in urban areas. Pp. 81-84, In: S. Hassett (ed.), ''Urban Animal Management Conference''. Australian Veterinary Association, Ltd.</ref><ref>Dickman, C.,Denny, E. 2010. Strategies to reduce conflict: managing feral and stray cats. Pp. 41-45 In: M. Tensen and B. Jones (eds.), ''Proceedings of the RSPCA Scientific Seminar'', Deakin West ACT, RSPCA Australia.</ref>

* Australia: 3 million pet cats, 10-20 million feral cats <ref>Jongman, E. C., Karlen, G.A. (1996) Trap, neuter and release programs for cats: a literature review on an alternative control method of feral cats in urban areas. Pp. 81-84, In: S. Hassett (ed.), ''Urban Animal Management Conference''. Australian Veterinary Association, Ltd.</ref><ref>Dickman, C.,Denny, E. 2010. Strategies to reduce conflict: managing feral and stray cats. Pp. 41-45 In: M. Tensen and B. Jones (eds.), ''Proceedings of the RSPCA Scientific Seminar'', Deakin West ACT, RSPCA Australia.</ref>

* USA: 86.4 million pet cats, 60-100 million feral cats <ref>American Pet Products Association (2011) 2011-2012 ''APPA National Pet Owners Survey'', Greenwich, CT: American Pet Products Association.</ref><ref>Dauphine, N., Cooper, R.J. (2009) Impacts of free-ranging domestic cats (Felis catus) on birds in the United States: a review of recent research with conservation and management recommendations. Pp. 205-219, In: T. D. Rich, C. Arizmendi, D. W. Desmarest and C. Thompson (eds.). ''Proceedings of the Fourth International Partners in Flight Conference: Tundra to Tropics''.</ref>

* USA: 86.4 million pet cats, 60-100 million feral cats <ref>American Pet Products Association (2011) 2011-2012 ''APPA National Pet Owners Survey'', Greenwich, CT: American Pet Products Association.</ref><ref>Dauphine, N., Cooper, R.J. (2009) Impacts of free-ranging domestic cats (Felis catus) on birds in the United States: a review of recent research with conservation and management recommendations. Pp. 205-219, In: T. D. Rich, C. Arizmendi, D. W. Desmarest and C. Thompson (eds.). ''Proceedings of the Fourth International Partners in Flight Conference: Tundra to Tropics''.</ref>

So, whilst in the UK, the feral cat population is perhaps 15% the size of the pet cat population, in the USA these populations are similarly sized and in Australia feral cats outnumber pet cats by a factor of 10-20 to one.

Based on the most recent estimate, the UK feral cat population is perhaps 15% the size of the pet cat population, whereas in the USA these populations are similarly sized and in Australia feral cats outnumber pet cats by a factor of 10-20 to one.

Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programmes have been shown to be effective in a number of studies. <ref>Levy, J.K., Gale, D.W., Gale, L.A., (2003) Evaluation of the effect of a long-term trap-neuter-return and adoption program on a free-roaming cat population. ''JAVMA''. 222, 42-46.</ref> showed a 66% reduction in population size over an eleven-year period in one free-roaming population. In the UK, nationwide trap and neuter programmes of this type have been in operation for more than a decade. In the UK and Germany, levels of neutering are generally high, which helps to limit population growth<ref>Heidenberger, E. (1997) Housing conditions and behavioural problems of indoor cats as assessed by their owners.'' Applied Animal Behaviour Science''. 52, 345-364.</ref>. Similar programmes are now also being run elsewhere by organisations such as International Cat Care in [http://www.icatcare.org/potugal/delegates/inside-the-centre Portugal] and [http://www.icatcare.org/in-action/sudan Sudan].  

TNR programmes have been shown to be effective in a number of studies. Levy, et al <ref>Levy, J.K., Gale, D.W., Gale, L.A., (2003) Evaluation of the effect of a long-term trap-neuter-return and adoption program on a free-roaming cat population. ''JAVMA''. 222, 42-46.</ref> showed a 66% reduction in population size over an eleven-year period in one free-roaming population. In the UK, nationwide trap and neuter programmes of this type have been in operation for more than a decade. In the UK and Germany, levels of neutering of pet cats are also high, which helps to limit population growth<ref>Heidenberger, E. (1997) Housing conditions and behavioural problems of indoor cats as assessed by their owners.'' Applied Animal Behaviour Science''. 52, 345-364.</ref>. Similar programmes are now also being run elsewhere by organisations such as International Cat Care in [http://www.icatcare.org/potugal/delegates/inside-the-centre Portugal] and [http://www.icatcare.org/in-action/sudan Sudan].  

However, the most significant factors in the maintenance of a large feral population are climate and the availability of prey. The temperate climate of Northern Europe limits kitten survival, compared to the warmer climate of Australia. Australia also has a diverse population of prey species that have evolved in the absence of an equivalent predator to ''Felis silvestris''.

However, the most significant factors in the maintenance of a large feral population are climate and the availability of prey. The temperate climate of Northern Europe limits kitten survival, compared to the warmer climate of Australia and parts of the USA. Australia also has a diverse population of prey species that have evolved in the absence of a predator equivalent to ''Felis silvestris''.

In a study of domestic cat predation in the UK, the estimated mean predation rate was estimated at 18.3 per cat per year, with 65% of households reporting no prey brought back in a given year (falling to 22% when averaged over several seasons <ref name="Thomas">Thomas, R.L., Fellowes, M.D.E, Baker, P.J. (2012) Spatio-Temporal Variation in Predation by Urban Domestic Cats (''Felis catus'') and the Acceptability of Possible Management Actions in the UK. ''PLOS One''. 7(11), 1-13.</ref>. The same study found that only 20% of cats returned 4 or more dead prey annually. A retrospective study by <font color="red">Bowen</font color> found an average prey return rate of 3.3 birds and 12 rodents per cat per year for households where cats had outdoor access. 44.6% never returned a bird, and 39.6% never returned a rodent.

==References==

<references/>

The amount of birds observed in a garden correlated significantly with the amount of environmental enrichment provided in a garden (bird feeders, scattered food and nesting boxes), as well as the amount of natural features present (long grass, trees, wild flowers, bushes). Of particular note was a correlation between bird numbers and indicators of active gardening, such as the presence of a greenhouse, vegetable patch and compost heap. However, he number of birds caught did not correlate with scores for the amount of birds observed in the owner’s garden. This is supported by findings from Thomas ''et al''<ref name ="Thomas" /> that reported numbers of five bird species was not correlated with level of their predation. The predation of robins was just significantly correlated with observed numbers (p=0.046). This may relate to some aspect of the vulnerability of this species when feeding and nesting, but the result would also become insignificant when measures are applied to counteract the problem of multiple comparisons.

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|date = June 26, 2014

 

 

 

[[Category:Normal Feline Behaviour]]

[[Category:Normal Feline Behaviour]]