The domestic cat (Felis catus) is a subspecies of the wildcat (Felis sylvestris) and has been associated with humans for about 9,500 years. They probably were domesticated somewhat incidentally as they adapted to hunting near human habitation where rats and other vermin were an attractive food source. Due to their small size, social nature, love of play, and possible inborn tendency towards tameness, they may have been simply tolerated as they gradually diverged from their "wild" relatives. Domestic cats are distributed worldwide and may be the most popular pet in the world. House cats have been selectively bred for centuries and now come in many different body types and colors. Many pure bred strains have been developed by cat fanciers as show animals.
A few common traits are readily associated with cats. Each cat seems to have a distinctive personality and is quite independent, temperamental and pretty much lives life on its own terms. With obvious and expressive body language, they may be quite affectionate and entertaining at times, but treat you with what appears to be total disdain or contempt at other times. The instinctive feline habit of burying their feces and urine makes them easily trained to use an indoor litter box or even a toilet. Other than that, and coming when food is presented, most cats are not very trainable by the average person. Cats do not respond to commands like dogs and resist most control devices. Some will accept a small collar, but restraining one with a leash as you would a dog is normally out of the question. The response is often quite violent and may result in injury to pet and owner.
When allowed to roam freely in the outdoors, other natural cat behaviors come into play. Unlike dogs, cats have changed little in form and behavior from their wild ancestors during the domestication process. They remain well-equipped to survive in the wild if they must. The predatory instinct, combined with stealth, keen hearing, excellent low light vision, agility, fangs and claws make them proficient hunters. This can make cats valuable tools in controlling vermin around farm buildings and homes, where rats and mice can be problems. In many areas, "feral" cats (i.e., domestic cats unfamiliar with humans and living in the wild) often develop into large colonies that have had a devastating impact on certain species of wildlife. In some cases, prey species have been driven to complete extinction.
Unfortunately, the hunting instinct does not disappear even when cats are well fed by their human caretakers and predation on small animals and birds may become recreational in nature. This can become a source of irritation and friction in suburban and residential neighborhoods. Many people who live in these areas enjoy watching the wildlife in their back yards and have few if any other wildlife related opportunities. Many birds, whose natural habitats are shrinking as development occurs, will nest in landscape shrubbery or nest boxes provided by residents and congregate at feeding stations. Domestic cats allowed to roam freely throughout the neighborhood soon learn to take advantage of this easy hunting opportunity, ambushing birds continuously at feeding stations and patrolling every inch of landscape shrubbery by day and night. Bird-watching opportunities diminish rapidly as birds are caught or learn to avoid the feeders. Fledgling birds and low or ground nests have almost no chance of survival. Other small animals that many people enjoy seeing will be seen less frequently or disappear completely.
If free-ranging domestic cats are a problem in your neighborhood, there may be some steps you can take. People love their pets and many may not realize their cats are creating a nuisance or causing harm. Do not take any measures that would cause injury or death to a wayward pet. Using diplomacy is a must to maintain pleasant neighborhood relationships. If possible, place feeding stations where they are not easily ambushed from shrubbery. Use of some commercial repellants can help to keep stray cats away from specific areas. Check with local officials to see what animal control regulations may apply in your area and encourage enforcement if necessary. Encourage spaying and neutering of all cats and dogs not used for breeding purposes to help limit the numbers of unwanted stray or feral animals.
Domestic cats truly are both wild predator and pet. When properly cared for and controlled, they can be great companions and friends. When left unchecked, they can prey heavily on wildlife.
-- Myron Wiley
Wiley is a Biologist Aide for the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
