A PhD student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Jonathan Chu, is conducting a study to understand the impact of cats on local environments by recording their activities with a ‘cat-cam.’ Cats have been brought over as companion animals to North America, but their hunting behavior may be affecting native species. Previous studies have shown that cats can have a significant impact on wildlife, with owners reporting that their pets bring home 3.5 prey items a month. However, Chu believes that these numbers may not reflect the full extent of the cats’ hunting activities, as they may not bring back everything they catch.
The use of cameras on cats allows researchers to directly observe and measure the species that the cats are hunting. This enables them to determine whether cats are preying on sensitive or native species, or mainly invasive species like house sparrows. By studying the hunting behavior of cats, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the potential impact on local wildlife. Chu has previously recorded cats in the Guelph area and is now seeking volunteers in the South Okanagan to participate in the study by placing cat cameras on their felines.
Chu has captured a surprising variety of animals being hunted by cats, including Eastern cottontail rabbits, invertebrates like moths, cicadas, grasshoppers, and even a centipede. This demonstrates that cats are opportunistic hunters with a varied diet. By expanding the study to British Columbia, Chu hopes to determine whether local cats hunt different prey compared to those studied in Ontario. He notes that while some cats do not hunt, others are voracious predators, and the reasons for these differences are still unknown. Understanding cat predation rates in Canada can help in developing management strategies to mitigate their impact on local wildlife.
The study aims to fill a gap in knowledge about the hunting behavior of domestic cats and their impact on native species in Canada. By documenting the prey items captured by cats, researchers can gain insights into the extent of their hunting activities and the potential threats they pose to local ecosystems. Chu hopes that by studying cat predation rates in different regions, researchers can develop targeted management strategies to reduce the impact of cats on wildlife populations. Cat owners interested in participating in the study can find more information online about how to get involved.
This study is a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific research on the ecological impact of domestic cats on local environments. Through the use of cat cameras, researchers can directly observe and measure the hunting activities of cats, providing valuable insights into their diet and prey preferences. By understanding the hunting behavior of cats, researchers can better assess the impact on native wildlife populations and develop strategies to mitigate potential threats. Cat owners in the South Okanagan area are encouraged to participate in the study to help advance our understanding of the interactions between domestic cats and local ecosystems.
