12/22/2023 0 Comments Are cats apex predatorsScientists often categorize predators based on their prey preferences (are they generalists or are they specialists) and their mobility (are they residents to one area or are they more nomadic). Because cat predation on continents is very different from island environments, it is inaccurate and inappropriate to extrapolate data from these particular studies to predict predation on continents. The few studies that have been conducted on cat predation are from remote islands with closed ecosystems, where local bird populations have not evolved with predators. There simply is not sufficient information available to determine if cat predation has any detrimental effects on the overall populations of prey animals, including birds yet environmental and bird groups, like the American Bird Conservancy, continue to push for the eradication of feral cats, claiming cats are in fact contributing to the decline of bird species and other wildlife. And although these studies have helped identify the most common prey cats feed on and the many contributing factors as to why they feed on certain prey, few studies have examined the impact of cat predation on such prey populations. Thirty-one studies have been conducted on islands, with most occurring on remote oceanic islands (Fitzgerald and Turner, 2000). To date, the diet of cats has been studied on four continents, including 16 studies in Europe, 12 from North America, 15 in Australia, and one study was performed in Africa. Along with being classified as a predator, cats are also considered scavengers meaning they will eat whatever food is available, including human handouts, garbage, and carrion (dead animals). The cat also has very sensitive whiskers and guard hairs that increase its sense of touch. Like any predator, the cat is equipped with sharp teeth and claws, and highly developed sensory capabilities, such as heightened eyesight and sense of smell, and an extensive range of hearing. Felis catus, the domestic and feral cat, is a predator and carnivore.
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