Domestic pets can have a negative effect on wildlife populations and habitats. Generally pets that are well controlled by responsible owners have less effect on wildlife. Many studies have been completed that examine these effects and we will link to these as they become available.

Here we have assembled a short collection of articles about wildlife and domestic pet interactions, both negative and positive.

Cats

It has been well documented that outdoor cats have negative effects on songbird and small mammal populations. Keeping cats indoors is safer for both the cat and for wildlife. Several international bird conservation organizations have " cats indoors" campaigns, for information one of these programs, click here.

What an indoor cat misses...

• Being hit by a car
• Being stolen
• Getting lost
• Fights with other cats, dogs, skunks, or raccoons
• Fleas, worms, ticks
• Exposure to disease from other cats
• Possible neighbour complaints
• Getting collar caught up on something
• Cruel people mistreating and abusing them
• Rain, wind, cold temperatures and frostbite
• Animal traps
• Accidental or malicious poisoning
• Fear and Loneliness

Dogs

We'll have information about dogs at a later date.