The trick to keeping your pet cats from bringing in other animals is to play with them daily and give them meat-rich food, a new study suggests. Domestic cats hunt wildlife less if owners can do these two things, the research suggests. Hunting by cats is a conservation and welfare concern, but methods to reduce this can be controversial and often rely on restricting cat behaviour in ways many owners find unacceptable. “By playing with cats and changing their diets, owners can reduce their impact on wildlife without restricting their freedom.”In the study, play involved owners simulating hunting by moving a feather toy on a string and wand so cats could stalk, chase and pounce. The researchers say it is not clear what elements of the meaty food led to the reduction in hunting.

Source: Irish Independent February 11, 2021 16:21 UTC