Journal article
Community attitudes and practices of urban residents regarding predation by pet cats on wildlife: An international comparison
Journal of Wildlife Rehabilitation, Vol.37(2), pp.11-31
2017
Abstract
International differences in practices and attitudes regarding pet cats' interactions with wildlife were assessed by surveying citizens from at least two cities in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, China and Japan. Predictions tested were: (i) cat owners would agree less than non-cat owners that cats might threaten wildlife, (ii) cat owners value wildlife less than non-cat owners, (iii) cat owners are less accepting of cat legislation/restrictions than non-owners, and (iv) respondents from regions with high endemic biodiversity would be most concerned about pet cats threatening wildlife. Everywhere non-owners were more likely than owners to agree that pet cats killing wildlife were a problem in cities, towns and rural areas. Over 85% of respondents from all countries except China valued wildlife in cities, towns and rural areas. Non-owners advocated cat legislation more strongly than owners except in Japan. Many Australian (62%), New Zealand (51%) and Chinese owners (42%) agreed that pet cats killing wildlife in cities, towns and rural areas was a problem, while Hawaiian owners were similar to the mainland USA (20%). Thus high endemic biodiversity might contribute to attitudes in some, but not all, countries. Husbandry practices varied internationally, with predation highest where fewer cats were confned. Although the risk of wildlife population declines caused by pet cats justifes precautionary action, campaigns based on wildlife protection are unlikely to succeed outside Australia or New Zealand. Restrictions on roaming protect wildlife and beneft cat welfare, so welfare is a better rationale.
Details
- Title
- Community attitudes and practices of urban residents regarding predation by pet cats on wildlife: An international comparison
- Authors/Creators
- C.M. Hall (Author/Creator)N.A. Adams (Author/Creator)J. Stuart Bradley (Author/Creator)K.A. Bryant (Author/Creator)A.A. Davis (Author/Creator)M.C. Calver (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Journal of Wildlife Rehabilitation, Vol.37(2), pp.11-31
- Publisher
- International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council
- Identifiers
- 991005541469007891
- Copyright
- © 2010 to 2017 IWRC
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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