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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAdorable Killers: The Shocking Truth about Cats
from Der Spiegel:
The house cat -- that cute, furry feline beloved the world over -- is also one of the world's most destructive predators, killing for kicks and hunting rare species into extinction. Cats thrive because people protect them -- but should they?
What happened to the kaka bird? What about the weka, the kokako or the kiwi? They are all in danger of extinction, like so many of New Zealand's unique animal species. Too often, they end up in the jaws of what is probably the most murderous predator on the planet.
This carnivore doesn't look nearly as deadly as the white shark, as brawny as the grizzly bear or as menacing as the Tyrannosaurus rex. But it shouldn't be underestimated. Felis catus -- the Latin name for the domestic cat -- is a stone-cold killer, and it numbers in the hundreds of millions.
Thanks to its charm, the cat has managed to slink into the hearts of human beings and subjugate them. The Homo sapiens attends to its every need, be it nutritional, medical or political. In the home, the cat plays the role of the capricious but cuddly pet. But once outside the door, it reverts to its true nature, becoming nothing but a killer prowling through the undergrowth, utterly without conscience, mercy or understanding. ..................(more)
The complete piece is at: http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/killer-cats-threaten-the-world-s-endangered-species-a-881978.html
virgogal
(10,178 posts)oldhippie
(3,249 posts)... how dare you?
We're doing this evil cat schtick?
DinahMoeHum
(21,803 posts)This is like the umpteenth time in 2 weeks I've come across an article bad-mouthing and blaming domestic cats for threatening the livelihood of other creatures, especially birds.
If anything, Felis catus's big wild cousins, especially the tigers, are the ones in grave danger of extinction.
Maybe this is karma at work?? Our furry friends taking their revenge?
ScreamingMeemie
(68,918 posts)Glad I'm not alone.
Blue_In_AK
(46,436 posts)whathehell
(29,082 posts)This sucks, IMO.
I was shocked when my lovable dog killed a rabbit in our yard,
but I had no intention of labeling him a " dangerous killer".
glinda
(14,807 posts)when they are out doors instead of spay and neuter programs or encouraging people to be more responsible.
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)The four cats quickly have the poor thing in a certain death match of mousy, mousy, who has the mouse that I wouldn't wish on any being, except, or course, a mouse.
Zoeisright
(8,339 posts)Problem solved. Plus your cat has fewer health problems and lives much longer.
Christ - this isn't rocket science.
Cat and dogs natural instinct is to hunt/chase. We have 2 cats and three dogs, all content to hang out inside w/a grumpy old man by the fireplace.
Cat at the key board posts: yubruir78j7nmnu7tr7bgyubnu7ntyun
ChazInAz
(2,572 posts)Without those stone-cold killers, we'd be buried in starlings, rodents, assorted bugs...you name the vermin, our purring beasts keep their numbers down.
FarCenter
(19,429 posts)A cat will kill one rat and lose interest in the rest.
A terrier will kill until they are all dead.
DinahMoeHum
(21,803 posts)around the premises (the urine? marking territory?) keeps most vermin away. Those that don't get the hint (ahem, scent) tend to learn the hard way.
TwilightGardener
(46,416 posts)I have an idea, why not just make New Zealanders keep their cats indoors, since their native birds appear to be especially susceptible to predation? I keep my cats inside, it's not that hard.
sufrommich
(22,871 posts)feeds birds knows this. We have a neighbor who lets her cats roam the neighborhood and I find dead,mangled birds in my yard at least 6 times a year and that's just my yard.
obamanut2012
(26,094 posts)Easier to blame kitties following their natural instincts, than pollution, pesticides, destroying forests....
VIVA LE KITTAHS!!!
otohara
(24,135 posts)when we let our little Killer Kiko outside to do her bizness.
She's not outside for very long at any given time, but I don't want her killing another bird.
flvegan
(64,411 posts)Not that I'm suggesting folks anywhere not replace their humans as they die off. I'd probably get in trouble for that.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)Ikonoklast
(23,973 posts)has far more to do with bird population decline than predatory felines.
TheProgressive
(1,656 posts)Cats should be on leashes when outdoors. Or in a pen. Or keep them in the house.
Just like a dog. What the hell is the difference?
Cats kill for sport. Cats must be prevented from roaming free.
And they come into your yard and take a shit. Disgusting.
Name one reason cats should not be treated just like a dog.
PCIntern
(25,572 posts)accusing cats of being mass murderers and extinguishing races.
My family had a similar experience in Europe about 70+ years ago.