Urgent cat warning as owners told bells do not work and pets carry ‘deadly disease’

CATS can carry diseases that are lethal to surrounding wildlife and pets with bells actually kill more prey per year than silent felines, a new study has revealed.

Wildcats set to save species from extinction born at wildlife park

Sign up for FREE for latest news plus tips to save money and the environment Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Researchers from Reading and Royal Holloway, University of London, found that our beloved household pets kill up to 270 million prey every single year. But there is variation across the country, as suburban cats just on the edge of natural areas kill an average of 34 animals each year, the research suggested.

This softens the kibble and makes the food much easier to chew.

For those felines in more built-up areas, further away from green or natural spaces, the number drops to an average of 15 per year.

The researchers found that owners placing a bell on their beloved pets did not bring down the killing number, proposing that the cats in the study were “very good hunters and the owners had put a device on because they were aware of it”.

But those wearing a bell often brought back the most prey, the study highlighted.

They found that “wearing a bell was significantly associated with an increase in prey returns”, and, and “unexpectedly, bell wearing was associated with increased overall predation”.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Man’s best friend? Petting a dog and gazing into their eyes releases oxytocin (i.e the “love hormone”) not only for you, but for them as well.

cat featured

Pets with bells actually kill more prey per year than silent felines (Image: Getty)

cat bell

Those wearing a bell often brought back the most prey, the study highlighted (Image: Getty)Royal Holloway’s Dr Rebecca Thomas called the estimated 9.5 million cats in Britain “mini super predators” that were a non-native species.

She said: “They reach incredibly and unnaturally high densities, especially in suburban environments.

“They get fed by their owners and given veterinary care so you could consider them mini super predators.”

The cats on the cusp of green spaces killed more mammals during the course of the study, although cats living in both types of environments killed a similar number of birds, the researchers found.

Chase that tail! Dogs chase their tails for a variety of reasons: curiosity, exercise, anxiety, predatory instinct or, they might have fleas! If your dog is chasing his tail excessively, talk with your vet.

READ MORE: Inside the vault where skeleton of real-life giant was found

blackbird

Those with more restricted access to natural land killed many more blackbirds (Image: Getty)

However, those with more restricted access to natural land killed many more blackbirds, whereas robins were the favoured prey of cats in green spaces.

The results were based on tracking 79 cats in the counties of Berkshire and Hampshire over the space of a year.

The team looked at the predation rates of cats living within 100m of natural land, versus the felines based around one kilometre away from green space.

The researchers said: “A simple extrapolation based on the predation rates found in this study suggests that the 9.5 million pet cats in Great Britain may kill in the region of 160 to 270 million prey individuals per year.”

Use baking soda to get dog urine out of carpet. If you don't happen to have a product like Nature's Miracle on hand (maybe you're traveling or at a friends house), pour some baking soda over the spot, let it sit, and then sweep or vacuum it up.

DON'T MISS: Brexit LIVE: UK to set exact 'expiry date' to torpedo 1,500 EU laws [LIVE] Brexit poll: Should Britain return to imperial measurements [POLL] Nadine Dorries fires back at Andrew Neil in TikTok rap battle row [REACTION]

cat

The results were based on tracking 79 cats in the counties of Berkshire and Hampshire (Image: Getty)But lead author Dr Tara Pirie also described a “fear effect” that the presence of the predator can have on its prey.

She wrote: “Just the presence of a predator can cause wildlife to change their behaviour, either reducing feeding through heightened vigilance or staying away from a nest leaving it exposed, for example.”

She continued: “This can reduce the survival of both adults and offspring.”

On a hot summer day, fill up an inflatable pool with water and ice.

But as well as the active killing of prey, cats could also target surrounding animals and wildlife through carrying diseases lethal to their prey.

Trending

Dr Pirie added: “Cats can also carry diseases such as Toxoplasma gondii which can be transmitted to wildlife, again reducing their survival rate.”

And offering up increased portions of food in the hope of deterring hunter behaviour had little impact, the researchers said.

Dr Pirie explained that “it could be the movement of prey that simply triggers the hunting behaviour of the cat.”

Use a teapot to rinse dogs off in the bathtub without getting water and soap in their eyes.

The team rounded off by comparing the "great joy and companionship" cats bring to their owners with the "loss of tens of millions of animals each year" through feline hunting behaviour.

They wrote in the journal "Landscape and Urban Planning": "It is only by understanding the possible negative ecological effects pet cats may be exerting on their local biodiversity that we can begin to develop appropriate approaches to environmentally-sensitive cat ownership."

Related articles

  • Meghan and Harry's UK popularity hits the floor - new poll
  • Prince William soars above Prince Charles as UK backs Duke after Queen
  • At least 14 dead after plane crashes minutes after take off

Plan for When You’re Not There. Make sure your pets are provided for during those long hours when you’re away. Dr. Becker suggests technological options. “DOGTV has stimulation and relaxation channels, and there are apps that control contraptions that talk to your pet, or dispense treats. Pheromone sprays can also reduce anxiety, creating that kumbaya atmosphere.” And, of course, daycare and dog walkers are a great way to enrich your pet’s day. “Know someone who wants exercise? Maybe they’ll walk your dog.”