Cats...Cuddly Killers !!!
Outdoor/Free-range are listed as a Tier I Invasive species by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries. This means they have severe or widespread negative impacts on wildlife and communities in Louisiana !!!
How are Cats Invasive?
• Outdoor cats impact species survival through nest failure, injury, and behavioral changes due to harassment.• They spread disease. Up to 60 to 160 million free-roaming domestic cats are infected by toxoplasmosis. This disease is very harmful to humans and a pollutant to the environment.
The impact
• It's estimated that cats kill 1.3–4.0 billion birds and 6.3–22.3 billion mammals annually!• According to the USDA, cats have contributed to the extinction of at least 63 species in the wild around the world (includes native birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians)
What can you do?
• Stop feeding feral cats. This can increase local cat densities, resulting in increased spread of disease and competitive aggression. This hurts the cats long-term.
• If you have a cat, keep them inside. It's better for the environment and your cat! Indoor cats live longer and are less likely to harm wildlife.
• Give your cats brightly colored collars or bells, decreasing your cat's ability to stalk and hunt prey.
• Don't not flush cat poop! Their feces are highly toxic and could harm the environment. Instead, put it in biodegradable bags and throw it away in the trash.
