Restrictions needed to manage domestic cat population
Today, I stood horrified as I watched a cat run away from a robin's nest on my property with a baby robin in its mouth, as the parent robins called their alarm. I had been in my back yard, and heard the pandemonium. Knowing I had a young group of robins in a nest near my drive, I ran to the front yard to watch in alarm as this tawny invader ran away, with its prey hanging dead in its jaws.
What had been a thriving nest yesterday, has now been wiped out by this marauder, and this is not the first time this year. Earlier, another nest that the robins had made on my property also fell victim to murder. That time, one of the dead babies was left under my window. This time, the evidence was taken back to its home.
I believe it is time for Ann Arbor (Washtenaw County for that matter) to require that cats, like dogs, not be allowed outside unless they are leashed or can be contained in some way within the boundaries of their owner's property. Certainly I don't begrudge cat owners having their animals, but I do not want them on my property killing the birds or yowling beneath my windows. They need to be managed responsibly by their human keepers.
Cats are the interlopers here. They are not indigenous to the United States, having been brought here by humans to control a rodent population. (Much like some breeds of dogs.) However, they have been recently identified as the lead cause of the destruction of our native bird population. It is currently estimated that domestic cats are the number one cause of the decline in our wild bird population, contributing to somewhere between 1.4 billion and 4.7 billion birds in a year, according to a recent study performed by the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. In addition to free roaming owned cats, the management of free-ranging cats through Trap-Neuter-Return, simply places this predator back into the wild to continue killing our wild birds. As a dog owner, I am not allowed to simply open my door, allowing my dog out to freely wander the neighborhood, and I am required to license her. It is time to place these same restrictions on the cat owners in this community.
We are all animal lovers. Let us all love our animals responsibly, allowing the wild birds to thrive in Ann Arbor. We have the trees to shelter them, now let's make that shelter safe as well.
Leslie Mason
Ann Arbor
Comments
BeeMused
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:02 p.m.
Meanwhile, in the world outside Ann Arbor, 23 schoolchildren in India died from pesticides in their school lunches. In Pakistan, militants are killing volunteers who administer polio vaccines, and girls as young as 5 are sold in to marriage. Somalia has a GDP per capita of $115. The death toll in Syria is estimated at 93,000. Closer to home, the city of Detroit began bankruptcy proceedings, which will leave even more people in poverty. There are an estimated 20,000-50,000 stray dogs in Detroit. An animal shelter in Oakland County has 400 dogs and cats and no A/C. But yes, by all means, the death of a robin is a tragedy and everyone in Ann Arbor should pay higher taxes so that the city can issue and police cat licensing.
BeeMused
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 6:36 p.m.
Well, my earlier comment which I wrote carefully and fairly was deleted. What conversation guidelines did I violate? Suffice it to say, I did not say "policing cats," I said "police cat licensing"--meaning that issuing and enforcing the suggested measures would be a drain on already strained resources.
rosy12
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
Its not about policing cats. Its about pet owners being responsible. You mention the stray dogs in Detroit - so you are concerned about people being responsible for and taking care of their pets. Cats are tortured, poisoned, run over when they are let outside. They kill birds, rabbits and other animals. I don't want someone's cat in my yard chasing a baby rabbit. I don't want to see someone's cat being hit by a car on Plymouth Road and I don't want the neighbor child to be bitten by a cat that has not been vaccinated because he thought it was a friendly kitty. Pet owners need to be responsible for their pets. How many of those animals in the sweltering animal shelter are there because their "responsible" owners allowed them to run free?
bigbluenation
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
Cat owner's like dog owner's should have their cat's licensed, with the some restrictions as dog owner's.
hmsp
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:45 a.m.
@ hail2thevict0r, re: "Domesticated cats, fixed by their owners, who are wondering around are not considered "invasive species"." Not sure what they are "wondering" about, but they are indeed an invasive species. But whatever. It's just another BS semantics argument: Invasive species/non-invasive species, feral/non-feral, stray/non-stray, domestic/non-domestic... Songbird-killer/non-songbird-killer. Oops, scratch that last -- they're ALL songbird-killers. No matter what all of you semantics freaks say, cats roaming free and killing songbirds = cats roaming free and killing songbirds. Doh!
rosy12
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 5:28 p.m.
Hail, keep your cat on your own property. Nobody wants it on theirs. What's so hard to understand about that? You want a cat, your neighbors do not.
hail2thevict0r
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1 p.m.
No, they aren't. They're house pets that are let outdoors. They do not breed out of control, they do not seriously damage the natural habitat and they are controlled. The fact that they may poop in your garden does not make them an invasive species. The population on birds in Ann Arbor is not seriously impacted by the presence of domestic cats. If they were truly an invasive species you'd be allowed to shoot a cat on sight. Stray cats, that breed out of control, which have no home and source of food are similar to an invasive species in some places; but certainly not in Ann Arbor. Straight from the study on how many animals are killed by cats per year published by "Nature Communications", "The researchers "estimate that free-ranging domestic cats kill 1.4–3.7 billion birds and 6.9–20.7 billion mammals annually." They emphasize that "un-owned cats" are the culprits here. " Notice the last part, "un-owned cats". The few birds or mammals killed here and there by someone's cat that they let go outdoors has no lasting impact on the environment.
5c0++ H4d13y
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:38 a.m.
I support Ann Arbor Cat Park!
FredMax
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:42 a.m.
"Cats are the interlopers here. They are not indigenous to the United States" Chance are that you personally are not of a heritage indigenous to North America. Yet you had no problem eliminate all the wildlife on a large tract of land where you placed your house.
hmsp
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:49 a.m.
@ dfossil, re: "There is a huge difference between Feral & stray!" When it comes to songbird predation, there is zero difference. And the only difference between feral and domestic cats is that domestic cats tend to be locked up for a small percentage of their waking hours, limiting the damage that they can do. Also, some domestic cats are overfed and obese, which puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to hunting. Aside from that? "Huge Difference?" I don't think so.
dfossil
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:10 p.m.
I am clearly referring to only stray (formerly domestic cats) and feral cats, Not loose domestic cats.
hmsp
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:40 a.m.
@ Brad, re: "You seem to be stuttering." Yeah, sorry about the double-tap there, don't know what happened. Interesting that the only reply you come up with is about my technical difficulties in posting. But I'd love to hear an actual, substantive, response. Don't leave me hanging.
HeavyMental
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:06 a.m.
The logical human is a dying breed. This article and most of the comments on any article are proof.
Barzoom
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 9:13 p.m.
Cats should be licensed and be required to be kept under control just like dogs.
dfossil
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 9:01 p.m.
There is a huge difference between Feral & stray! A stray has been handled by humans and may again been gentled by a person who may overcome the fear. A Feral cat is wild now or was never handled and unfortunately no amount of cat whispering can overcome their wildness. Believe me a wild cat can savage a person with claw and teeth in seconds so watch out for the trapped cat, friends!
Sara
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 8:59 p.m.
I agree. Outdoor cats have an enormous impact on the environment, killing birds as well as small rodents. When I was involved with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, we had an educational campaign, encouraging people to keep their cats indoors. It's also safer for our feline friends, limiting danger of being hit by a car, getting injured, and reducing exposure to disease. Thanks for writing this!
ArgoC
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 7:33 p.m.
Gotta say I don't have a lot of respect for people who are convinced that their cats have to be allowed outside. Like it's cruel to keep them inside. I just don't get that thought process.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 8:53 p.m.
Try staying inside for years at a time and then get back to us.
hmsp
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 7:31 p.m.
@ Brad: Anonymous wrote, "A former neighbor of ours left their cat behind last summer when they moved... ... there is no place for feral cats..." and you replied, "If it belonged to someone else it isn't feral - just stray." You also say, "Feral and stray aren't the same thing, so it's more than "semantic". Put another way - words mean things." ******** Aside from the fact that the above cat is INDEED feral by dictionary standards -- here's another, even better def: "Having returned to an untamed state from domestication." Better def, since in no way did this cat "escape." It was abandoned, and did not return to its untamed state by choice. Aside from that, what's your point? Are you just talking words, or concepts? The end result is the same; feral, stray, or not. But go ahead, stick with your outside-the-norm Wiki definition. What's your point? @ Brad: Anonymous wrote, "A former neighbor of ours left their cat behind last summer when they moved... ... there is no place for feral cats..." and you replied, "If it belonged to someone else it isn't feral - just stray." You also say, "Feral and stray aren't the same thing, so it's more than "semantic". Put another way - words mean things." ******** Aside from the fact that the above cat is INDEED feral by dictionary standards -- here's another, even better def: "Having returned to an untamed state from domestication." Better def, since in no way did this cat "escape." It was abandoned, and did not return to its untamed state by choice. Aside from that, what's your point? Are you just talking words, or concepts? The end result is the same; feral, stray, or not. But go ahead, stick with your outside-the-norm Wiki definition. As you say,"words mean things," so you should mean something when you use them. And I'm asking you, what do you mean? How does that affect the conversation?
arborani
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:57 a.m.
And in sizable chunks.
Brad
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:50 p.m.
You seem to be stuttering.
obviouscomment
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6:33 p.m.
This sounds good to me! All pet owners should be held accountable for their pets. I am definitely a cat person over a dog person but I agree there are too many cats running around free and too many people think it's great to have a neighborhood cat they can put food out for but not take care of.
hmsp
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6 p.m.
A number of commenters want to engage in a semantic argument about the use of the word "feral," using statements such as, "If it belonged to someone else it isn't feral - just stray." I'm not sure what their point is, but here is what Oxford Dictionaries says: adjective (especially of an animal) in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication: a feral cat And, like a guy who goes to a bar and takes his wedding ring off to become "single" for a night, cats are adept at being "domesticated" during the day, then going out and doing a perfect impersonation of a "feral" cat. So, "domestic?" "Feral?" Who cares? What's the difference, aside from whether the irresponsible human in question ever actually met or fed the cat in question?
Anonymous
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:38 p.m.
Brilliant Brad. Not only do you quote the absolutely reliable source of Wikipedia, you contradict yourself throughout the "definition". Which is it, a feral cat is a domestic cat that has returned to the wild, or a feral cat is born in the wild. Stop your silly argument. HMSP is correct.
Brad
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6:26 p.m.
Feral and stray aren't the same thing, so it's more than "semantic". Put another way - words mean things. Wikipedia: A feral cat is a domestic cat that has returned to the wild. It is distinguished from a stray cat, which is a pet cat that has been lost or abandoned, while feral cats are born in the wild. The offspring of a stray cat can be considered feral if born in the wild.[
rosy12
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:49 p.m.
I love all animals. I respect wildlife and I know that nature is cruel. However, I feel horrible when I put out birdfood, a nice bird bath and then my neighbor's cat comes and kills the birds that I have attracted. Cats should not be allowed to run loose. You let your cat run loose and you are making your neighbors unhappy, you are endangering the wildlife around and you are shortening the life of your own cat. It is a proven fact that cats allowed outside live shorter lives. They get run over by cars, they are attacked by other animals, they drink and eat things they shouldn't (poison), etc. If you want to let your cat outside then stay with it. Make sure it does not endanger other animals and it is safe. Its really that simple.
justcurious
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6:15 p.m.
In a sense you may be responsible for the bird's death in that you lure them to a spot in your yard. I too feed birds but sometimes they are taken by hawks - easy prey.
Jack Gladney
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:34 p.m.
We have had numerous cats using our garden and landscape beds as litter boxes. They appear to congregate at a home nearby where the owner(?) puts food outside for them. Canned tuna in oil is on sale at Kroger and have-a-heart traps are available for as little as $20 at most farm supply stores. Hopefully the owners of these free-roaming-poop-where-they-wish cats will wish our unwanted guests well as they embark on their new lives as barn cats on my uncle's farm.
hmsp
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:30 p.m.
@ Arboriginal, re: "Get a live trap. Take poor wandering kitty with the careless owners to the Humane Society. Simple as that." Ever tried it? The ones that are the best predators are also the ones that are wary of live traps. You can possibly trap some fat-slug lap cats out for a stroll, and suckered in by tuna, but as I mentioned above, it took my buddy two years to trap one cat.
Thaddeus
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 10:03 p.m.
Cat live trapping is simple, humane, and very effective when done correctly. I have caught up to three cats in a day with one live trap....
Jack Gladney
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:36 p.m.
YouTube is a great resource for learning successful techniques for live trapping..
Anonymous
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:29 p.m.
A former neighbor of ours left their cat behind last summer when they moved. It's killed every baby bird born near our house. There is no accountability for bad owners. I've tried, unsuccessfully to capture this cat and bring it to humane society. Hopefully I will get it and they will put it down. I'm an animal lover, but there is no place for feral cats in neighborhoods with children.
Anonymous
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:53 p.m.
Call me cruel all you want. You know little of this situation. The cat is older, mean, and was abused by the out of control kids of the owners. They were bad owners all around. It is much more humane to have the cat put down than attempting to redomesticate it. It would never be happy captive and is a menace stray/feral.
Donald Martin
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:50 p.m.
So, an "animal lover" hopes the Humane Society will "put it down"? Nice. A cat that's killing birds, especially as often as you claim, is a *healthy* cat and doesn't require being put down except to create convenience for you. That's wrong and far, far from being an "animal lover".
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 9:55 p.m.
Strays can become feral the longer they're out on their own. Especially when - thru people's nastiness - they learn to no longer trust or rely on humans.
Brad
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
If it belonged to someone else it isn't feral - just stray. Hopefully the Humane Society would find it another home. And you call yourself an animal lover?
mibadger
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:16 p.m.
I just love it when one of our neighbor's many cats walk on our car, in our garage, on our windowsills, across our deck, stalk baby rabbits, and use our sandbox as a litter box. Not!
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:11 p.m.
If you're statement is true, then why all the hate about dog poop/pee? Like I said, I pick up, my dog is leashed, all I would expect is that people who have cats as pets treat them the same - don't allow YOUR cat to roam, to poop in others gardens, go into others yards etc...what is so difficult to understand about a simple request of cat owners? You choose to have a pet...to compare a cat with rabbits, chipmunks, raccoons, or any other naturally occurring animal is obtuse. I don't see someone adopting a raccoon then deciding they don't want it anymore and dumping it to form a feral community, be hit by a car, die of starvation, disease, neglect. When the students leave there's also a high incidence of dumping cats because often cats are the only pets allowed in apartments (does less damage supposedly, although cat pee is a horrendously difficult smell to get rid of and they scratch door jams). I feel bad for these cats because they were once beer pong buddies and now just another homeless pet. Adopt and be responsible. Just because cats have been overlooked for tags, leash laws etc, (unlike dogs), doesn't give cat owners a pass. And...might I add, picking up a half dead cat (from some unfortunate wild animal encounter) is not pleasant. Stop treating them as disposable just because they fly more easily under the radar.
Hume
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
In most cases if you look up studies making astounding claims you can find manipulated data. This is true in this case. http://www.alleycat.org/page.aspx?pid=945 The problem with scientific journals now days is there are too many of them and the data seems to be manipulated to support the researchers bias. Shame on Peter Marra for feigning shock at the findings of his study.
dfossil
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5 p.m.
Oh, one additional; about "bellinjg the cat", doesn't work. Cats quickly learn to move with a bell so it will not ring and alert prey. Cats are predators and are NOT stupid!
Dr. Fate
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:54 p.m.
The last time a cat had a license, it was named Toonces, and it didn't turn out well.
Jack Gladney
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
Dr. Fate, you just won a free Internet. :-)
Arboriginal
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:54 p.m.
Get a live trap. Take poor wandering kitty with the careless owners to the Humane Society. Simple as that.
Thaddeus
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 9:54 p.m.
Indeed. Live trap - Best solution I've found to date. As the careless owners are typically not known, the cat almost never collared with ID, take the cat to the Humane Society anyway. With some luck the cat will be adopted by RESPONSIBLE owners who will keep the cat inside....
dfossil
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:53 p.m.
We should allow the cats as the Coyotes need to eat too! By the way the rodents also include baby chipmunks, rabbits as well as birds. As for plague? Ever hear of Toxoplasmosis? If not, hang around cats and clean up after them and find out. Many dog owners have to vaccinate for Rabies for indoor dogs. Any cat owner who lets their cat out will soon not have a cat and can look forward to Feline leukemia, other cat bites & abscesses Sorry, the "Spay, neuter & release" plan is doomed to failure due to too many cats & limited dollars. Cats are an "Invasive species" and all the cat owners are out pulling up Garlic Mustard & Other invasive species we have let loose on this environment but refuse to see "Kitty" is the same thing. There are many who do not believe the statistics by Smithsonian about bird deaths (See "Best Friends" Website & others), yet everyone agrees cats are serious predators that kill many birds each year along with many of our most charming critters; Chipmunks, et al. No, I'm not going to shoot them even if it were legal, but they do belong inside only & not declawed.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:36 p.m.
I would like to grow vegetables in my garden without cat feces. I'm disappointed at how many times I have to pick-up dog feces from my extension and yard because irresponsible dog owners don't remove it. However, I've never picked-up dog feces from my vegetable garden.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6:55 p.m.
Then maybe you should move somewhere where there aren't people so you can be free of their terrorizing house cats....
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
I have several neighbors who have outdoor cats. There is also a feral cat population in the neighborhood. Yet somehow I am still awakened every morning at 5am by loud birds. What is that about?!?
Woman in Ypsilanti
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 4:35 p.m.
You mean the cats are only killing the quiet birds? In all seriousness, cats have been kept as pets in the Americas for hundreds of years and yet, we still have many songbirds. I don't buy that it is necessary to keep cats inside because of danger to the bird populations, especially in urban and suburban areas.
arborani
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
Darwinism at work?
Top Cat
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:52 p.m.
As a cat, I'm glad I don't live in Ann Arbor. All the people want are more rules. People are crabby in Ann Arbor.
arborani
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:14 p.m.
"People are crabby in Ann Arbor." And they repeat themselves.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:33 p.m.
I want my vegetable garden to be free of cat feces.
Amy Biolchini
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:29 p.m.
In an interview I did with Ric Lawson of the Huron River Watershed Council last week for this story (http://www.annarbor.com/news/huron-river-health-phosphorus-levels-have-dropped-25-percent-in-the-past-15-years/) he mentioned feral cats are a contributor to E. coli bacteria that spikes to unsafe levels in the Huron River following major rain events. Other contributors to the E. coli issue are dogs, geese, raccoons and others animals living the storm drains.
Amy Biolchini
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 5:18 p.m.
hail2thevict0r, it's not shocking -- just important to note that a tracing study was done on the E. coli and it was determined that the overwhelming source of that bacteria came from animals, not humans.
justcurious
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
Has he actually seen these cats poop in the river? My cats prefer sand or kitty litter and avoid water.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
CHUD live in storm drains. Look it up.
Dr. Fate
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:56 p.m.
E.coli is one of the most common bacterial species in all feces, especially humans.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
Do dogs, geese, raccoons (and others animals) really live in storm drains?
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:16 p.m.
It could come from discharge pipes; storm drains or illegal pipes.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:49 p.m.
Is that shocking? The leading causes of E. coli are animals? I mean, that makes sense. Where else would it come from?
highlarryus
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:57 p.m.
Just like people: some cats suck, some are cool. However, the majority is the former and not the latter.
Bababooey
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:55 p.m.
The arrogance of some pet owners is astounding. If you own a pet, control your pet. If you're going to take it off your property, leash it. If it's on your property without a leash, find a way to keep it contained. It's sad there even has to be a discussion about this. It's all common sense and respect for others and their property.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.
I'm not sure why it matters where the cat kills the bird? Most of the time cats are simply walking through your yard, there's only so many birds a cat will kill in a day. And there absolutely no way that any housecat gets a bird a day from anyone's yard. No one's yard has that many birds.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:55 p.m.
Some people get tired of cats killing birds in their yard nearly every day. To suggest it is just "walking through their yard" is nonsense. Same for pooping in kids' sandboxes.
Bababooey
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
...and that type of behavior would fit perfectly with the type of person I'm describing....and that's why you don't get it. If I want a cat as a pet, I'll buy a cat and keep it as a pet (in my house, on my property). I don't want your pets (pests) as my pets.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:24 p.m.
I just don't see why anyone cares. The reasons seem silly to me. A cat is stepping on your grass. Who cares? If you want, I'll leash my cat and have them poop on your yard leashed.
Bababooey
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:19 p.m.
@hail2thvict0r - You would have a point if the raccoon was your neighbors pet. But your talking about a wild animal. Justify it anyway you want if it makes you happy.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:15 p.m.
Leashing a cat? No thanks. It's sad that people complain about a cat walking through their yard as if it's somehow immensely different than a raccoon doing the same thing.
Rork Kuick
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:52 p.m.
So I heard the argument that other things kill robins so it's OK if your cat kills does too about 10 times now. Holds no water. In my yard other people's cats kill pheobes, wrens, hummingbirds, brown creepers, and several other animals. And they certainly do leave presents in my gardens including ones where I have food growing. What gives you that right? People have done it for hundreds of years - an argument from antiquity - doesn't cut it. Oh, and folks rationalizing that they are doing me a favor somehow (mouse or rat removal). I didn't want your help.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6:52 p.m.
What I'm suggesting is that regulating outdoor cats is stupid and a waste of time. Not that you couldn't make it illegal.
Rork Kuick
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
You are getting warmer.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
Not exactly the same thing because driving over the speed limit is illegal.
Rork Kuick
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:25 p.m.
People do it is not exactly an argument for why we should permit them to. People are going to drive over the speed limit - just live with it. I'm getting the hang of this logic.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:13 p.m.
Well...too bad I guess? People are going to have outdoor cats. If you live by people, that means you too will likely have a cat that walks through your yard. You're free to yell at it though, "Hey cat! Get off my grass!"
whojix
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:51 p.m.
Humans also live longer if they never leave the house, just like cats.
hmsp
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:39 p.m.
@ Hume, re: "These cats do cull the rodent populations" Nope. That's largely a myth. Why don't you Google it?
Hume
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:49 p.m.
@hmsp That is the problem with Googling. You see a few articles that on the surface seem relevant but when you read further you see that the expert that states they are not good at rodent control is focused on rats specifically. Cats are very good at controlling mice, moles, voles and rabbits. We had a mouse problem in our garage. Instead of using poisons we opened the door and let the neighbors cats take care of things. To cull rats you need a rat terrier.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
You're not exactly correct. Cats don't do enough harm to keep the mouse/rat population down. But their presence usually presents enough of a danger to your average smart mouse or rat to prevent them from staying in the same area with the cat. Plenty of studies have been done in places where mouse/rat populations and infestations were problems and have concluded that houses with a cat had less of a problem, if no problem at all, compared to houses without them. This is why most farms have a small population of farm cats; not necessarily to kill the pests but as a preventative measure. The same would apply to an area with a bunch of house cats roaming around.
Hume
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
These cats do cull the rodent populations which would get out of control if left unchecked. People who complained about the cats would then complain about the rabbits eating their flower and mice getting into their cars AC systems in their garages. I have seen what unchecked rodent populations can do. Who pay for the rodent control?
Hume
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
@TryingToBeObjective Cats have scratched your cars? Yes the do mark their territories and dig holes to cover their waste. Should dog owners have to stop their dogs from peeing on other people's property?
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:29 p.m.
You mean the cats that spray and crap and scratch cars and rip screens don't cause damage. Oh, that's different. I don't have a cat, and I don't have rodent problems. I've never had a rodent in my garaged car. My neighbors are irresponsible pet owners. Cats are pets, not wildlife.
AnnArborMom1
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:26 p.m.
I have 2 gorgeous neutered male kitties that I keep inside 100%, simply because their life expectancy is doubled indoors. They run and play and climb, and have a very nice life. I appreciated their hunting skills by catching any moth or fly that makes it inside. They even caught a mouse once! That was awesome. My neighbor however has an indoor/outdoor male neutered cat. I actually appreciate him too! He kills chipmunks who dig in my veggie garden and eat my tomatoes and cucumbers. Beware of the Cat, "Chickmunks" (as my daughter calls them).
TruEMU_fan
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10 p.m.
I have had indoor / outdoor cats my entire life and all of them lived 15+ years....i've never seen a 30-year-old indoor cat....i did grow up on a 2 acres with woods on either side of my neighbor but there is just something to seeing a cat outdoors. they are happier there. Even my current kitties who are indoor only yearn and meow to be outside on the porch of our second floor apartment. They chase the bugs around.
Robert Granville
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:21 p.m.
Since I don't believe restrictions like this will ever occur, I've been shopping around for a good, safe cat repellant. Anybody know of a sure-fire one? I'm so tired of the outdoor cats my neighbor lets wander everywhere.
RunsWithScissors
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:15 p.m.
Water cannon with a motion detector. They use 'em all the time to discourage deer & geese from trepassing on property. Probably work better on a cat since they really don't like getting startled & wet.
hmsp
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:17 p.m.
@ Nurse2011: It ain't "nature," it's an invasive species doing what invasive species do. Re TNVR: there is little scientific evidence to suggest that it reduces populations in any significant way. As I said, it's 99% feel-good. And it's "feral," by the way.
Robert Granville
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
Absolutely. With you 110%.
hepcat
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
I've seen numerous " lost cat " flyers in our neighborhood and I've had a few cat owners knock on my door inquiring about their lost kittens. I have also spotted coyotes in our yard. If you care about your feline companion, keep it safe indoors.
Nurse2011
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
I am so sorry this event of nature has horrified you enough to write a letter about it. I sure hope you don't swat any bugs and kill them, that too might lead to the decline of the bird population. I would suggest you put up bird house to keep your birds safe instead of watching them build unsafe nests in your trees. I have had 2 bluebird families nest in my bird house safely this year, and sadly watched them all fly away, as did my 3 cats.
katmando
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 10:51 p.m.
feral cats are not natural. They destroy nature balance not help it.
hmsp
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2 p.m.
Cats are on the 100 Most Invasive Species list, and cannot be considered "natural" predators. And their supposedly-positive role in keeping down pest populations is way overrated -- one study of cat kills in California found that over 60% of the rodents caught were native, not non-native. Likewise with birds, but the percentage was much higher. Around here, they catch many more field mice (which are not a pest) than house mice (which, of course, are). And rats? Don't try to kid me! TNR, or more correctly TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release) is an extremely expensive approach that is 99% feel-good, 1% effective. The myth that neutered cats don't hunt is just that, a myth (the same goes for spraying -- neutered cats can, and do, spray). I know a guy who went two years before he finally succeeded in trapping (in order to neuter) a cat that was living in his barn. And of course it's still out there killing native songbirds, instead of pigeons and starlings: Just have cats have evolved in close proximity to us, and have learned our tricks -- trapping, for instance -- so have pests. And so it is the pest species, not the native ones, that have best learned to avoid being caught by cats. Cute or not, like 'em or not, cats are a highly-destructive, non-native, pest species.
katmando
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 10:50 p.m.
Cat don't and in most cases can't kill rats. Rats are just to big for a cat to kill safely.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
Domesticated cats, fixed by their owners, who are wondering around are not considered "invasive species". It's the ones breeding out of control, mostly in the south, which are a problem. Not the occasional house cat killing a bird in Ann Arbor.
Nurse2011
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:12 p.m.
The idea behind TNVR is not stop the cat from hunting, it is to stop the breeding of ferral cats and naturally decrease the population while also controlling diseases in ferral cats.
Major
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
My only problem with cats loose in town are the way they use areas of my yard as a litter box. Which I spray down with "Deer Off"....ended that problem...for me anyway. Now I'm entertained by the wandering kitty that gets confronted by Major within the confines of my fenced in yard...very entertained!! (Don't worry, I love cats, Major is called off before he gets near them)
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:45 p.m.
I once spoke with an a2 woman who owned three big cats and lived on a busy street. She used an invisible fence with shocking collars to keep her cats safely out of the street, and confined to her own property.
jmac
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.
My husband's aunt had two cats, one male, one female. His aunt let the cats roam free through the neighborhood, thought they often came back at night. The female cat went out one day and never returned. The male cat went out one day and returned with one ear torn off, multiple lacerations, and a broken leg. This is what can (and does) happen when you let cats be 'outdoor' cats. Maybe 99% of the time they'll be okay, but it only takes one bad cat fight, one encounter with a car, or one chomp of a rabies-infected 'prey' to end their lives. Is it really worth the risk? Is it really responsible for cat owners to allow this?
Kelley
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:07 p.m.
The issue is cats killing birds, folks. Yes, dogs are not perfect, and other pests/animals pose a threat to birds, too. The simple answer: attach a small bell to your cat's collar. That will give the birds a chance.
Thaddeus
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 4:01 p.m.
First, cats should not be allowed to run in the first place. This gives the birds a chance and gives the cat a much better chance of ending the day alive too. Second, for all who insist on letting their cats run each day, I have yet to encounter a cat on the loose or a cat "owner" of such cats that collars their cats. Apparently cats have a habit of catching the collars and potentially hanging themselves. So I doubt one would find any collared cats on the run with bells on them....
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
Danger to birds.....in the wild....who's natural predators are.....wait for it.....cats. Maybe not house cats, but there would be other cats in their place had humans not eradicated their species around here.
justcurious
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
A clever stealthy cat is not likely to ring a bell. Also, a collar that doesn't stretch can strangle the cat and one that does can pull off...happened to ours.
Brad
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:05 p.m.
OK, it's time for all non-native interlopers to leave. We're really going to miss you Europeans.
Peter
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1 p.m.
If you care about your cat, keep it inside and take care of it. If your cat doesn't seem happy inside, there are things you can do to help, places to hide, places to sit and feel safe, warm places to sleep, etc. And get your pets neutered and spayed. Cats AND dogs.
A2frank
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Some interesting points, but why such drama? Humans murder, cats hunt. Big difference.
westsidemom
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Cats allowed to roam are a double edged sword. I like the fact that they keep the population of mice and rodents under control in our neighborhood. Yes, I did have to chase said cat away from the baby bunnies in my yard more than once and it is possible that one bunny did not survive. It's important to note that rabbits too can be labeled as pests. But, more often than not, it's the predator birds that are stealing baby birds out of the nests in my yard. The cat damage to wild life is a much lower percentage. But the cat damage to the rodent world gets high marks in my book. I'll suffer the ugly side to nature when I don't make it out in time to interrupt the robbed bird or bunny nest from the neighborhood cat or the multitude of predator birds.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
Live trapping cats works great.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:53 p.m.
In my experience, these traps are misnamed, at least in the end result.
glimmertwin
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:34 p.m.
But if cats aren't running wild, what will people have to shoot at with their pellet guns? Seriously, I wish cats were bigger so they could take out geese that crap all over the place. Thank goodness for dogs to help with that task.
Dog Guy
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
A short version of the National Geographic study: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/cats_actually_kill
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
I suspect there was/is an attempt to license dogs (which doesn't work at all as very few people actually do license their dog) because dogs can seriously harm people. A cat killing a bird is nature and I doubt there's any real threat to our bird population because of it. There's really no reason to license a cat. When living very closely to other people there are just certain things that you have to deal with. I'd put this into that CATegory.
rosy12
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 5:23 p.m.
So Hail, then any pet, dogs for instance, should be able to run free as long as they are not capable of "mauling" people to death? Is that what you are saying? Sorry, can't agree with you at all. If its your pet keep it on your own property. Its NOT OK to let YOUR pet wander onto other peoples property.
arborani
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
Our cats (even though indoor) are vaccinated against rabies. If your cat never sees a vet, that's a whole 'nother problem.
hail2thevict0r
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:51 p.m.
I didn't say cats couldn't harm you, I said they can't seriously harm people. There's a difference between getting mauled to death and a few scratches on your hand with a bite mark. The threat of rabies is no different in a chipmunk than it is in a cat.
rosy12
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2 a.m.
Hail, I was actually 4 years old at the time and thought I was doing a good thing by trying to feed the cat part of my hot dog. So then I guess you would say that cats are only harmful to kids and adults that try to touch one...is that it? Bottom line - cats can be harmful to humans. Don't say that they are not.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6:50 p.m.
Well, stop getting so close to these cats? If you don't know an animal don't try to touch it....I assume the cat did not run across the yard and viciously maul your hand? Cat's can harm people equivalent to that of a raccoon. Without diseases, you don't die from a raccoon bite. Dogs on the other hand can single handedly kill a human.
rosy12
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 6:10 p.m.
A cat can seriously harm someone. Are you saying that every owner that lets their cat outside has made sure to get their cats vaccinated for rabies?? I was bitten by a cat and had to have rabies shots because we weren't able to locate the cat after it ran off. We know that skunks and other animals carry rabies. If outdoor cats aren't protected then they can also carry the disease. Please don't say that cats can't harm people.
Thaddeus
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.
As soon as cats are allowed to be outside they become the ultimate garbage animal. The annihilation of birds and other small animals is just the tip of the iceberg of the damage that cats do. Cats destroy fences, shred window screens, dig-up flower beds, pee on porches, spread disease, harrass pets, are a top cause of animal bites with young children, and keep coming back to do their damage until they kill themselves. Another problem with cats is that it is one of the very few topics (akin to money) that splits people into two clear-cut camps. There are the rational, caring people who look after their cats as they do their children and dogs and do not let them run unsupervised. Then there are the others who act like it is their birth right to let their flea bag out each day to destroy the the neighborhood. If confronted about the problems this causes it is always the same response. The cat "owner" looks at you like you are from another galaxy and says something like, "My little Fluffy would never do (those destructive things)...." (It's somehow always someone else's Fluffy....). I'd far rather see a rat or a mouse - both of which are far less destructive animals, and a person can easily deal with mice and rats without all-but starting a war as is the case with cats. While I do not condone cruelty to animals, I believe I understand why we are seeing an increase of cases where if cats return home at all, the cats have been hit by a car, wounded from another animal, shot, poisoned, duct-taped, burned, spray painted, had acid thrown at them, etc. If a person really cares at all about their cats, their neighbors, property values, the environment, and the region they live in, they will NOT let their cats out (without being on a leash). Thank you.
TruEMU_fan
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 9:52 p.m.
" Cats destroy fences", so do dogs...actually they pee on them too " shred window screens" so do dogs "dig-up flower beds" so do dogs "pee on porches" so do dogs "spread disease" so do dogs "harrass pets" so do dogs "are a top cause of animal bites with young children" hmmm ive heard of death by dog but not cat
Chase Ingersoll
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:46 a.m.
Amazing what traumas people face in Ann Arbor. Can you imagine this appearing in the Michigan Chronicle and what the reaction would be? Cats keep down the rat population. Too many vermin, and the snakes will come in and do the job if the cats are not. Nothing better than watching puddy tat go primal. Run! Run! Alvin, Simon & Theodore!
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:46 p.m.
Rat on Rat murder?
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
Very, very few rats catch and kill rats.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:15 p.m.
I couldn't believe what I was reading when I first read this article. Going back and reading it again just makes me laugh. Seriously, licensing cats....cats
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:42 a.m.
Pets should be managed by their owners. Period. I don't like coming home to enjoy lunch on my porch only to find (smell) out that someone's loose cat has been dumping and burying its poop in my garden for some time (evidenced by the congregated flies). My answer to that was to lightly bury some mouse traps in my garden. Sorry, I don't blame the cat. I do blame the owner. I keep my dog in check, you keep your cat in check. Pretty simple. I never understood people who keep cats all the while leave them to roam free off their property - not like a fence will contain them. Personal responsibility. It doesn't take a village to raise your cat.
hail2thevict0r
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
It's cat poop **rolls eyes***, you actually spent the time, bought mousetraps and buried them to stop cats from walking in your garden....It's absurd.
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:59 p.m.
*roll eyes* really. It's a lightly buried mousetrap. I'm not prone on a shooting mat with a sniper rifle...although if it makes y'all feel better *tongue in cheek* Talk about uptight double standards. So concerned is everyone that the free roaming cats are still free roaming yet I see a baited trap set the next street over in someone's flower garden for the bunny I see snacking on some tasty blooms.
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:20 p.m.
Having the neighbors cats on my window sills on my house creates problems for me. They are irresponsible. Yes it's cat crap in my garden. It doesn't belong there. My dogs don't poop on the neighbors lawn. Or perhaps a little payback is in order. Of course, if the neighbors cat gets into my yard and gets stuck, oh well.
Robert Granville
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
LOL we trap and kill pest animals all the time. People are up in arms about you keeping pests out of your garden. They should be concerned about the owners allowing their cats to wonder into harms way.
arborani
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
And rabbits, of course.
arborani
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
I assume the mouse traps are trained to react only to cats - no problem with crippling squirrels, chipmunks, even dogs passing through?
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
Then think of it as fertilizer and move on. The fact that you care so much about it that you'd bury mousetraps is, IMO, absurd.
Donald Martin
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
CPL, I'm glad my concern "amuses" you but don't insult me by dubbing it "faux". If anything, what's "faux" is your claim that a mousetrap only 'startles' a cat. If you were exercising "personal responsibility", you'd realize that a snapping mousetrap is quite likely to do more than that to the cat.
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:17 p.m.
Hail - It's cat poop. Doesn't take a scientists to know cat poop. Especially with the telltale litterbox pyramid.
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:16 p.m.
Anyone that has used a mousetrap know the slightest movement causes it to snap. It's not snapping on the cat. It makes a noise and startles the cat. Your concern over a cat being startled by a mousetrap is amusing. I've seen more cats hit by cars, injured by getting into fights with other animals - where's your faux concern there.
Donald Martin
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
"My answer to that was to lightly bury some mouse traps in my garden." Seriously? That's your remedy, injuring the cat?
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
Have you ever thought that it could have been a raccoon, skunk, squirrel or any other number of wild animals that also poop? I know, I know....it's probably really traumatizing to find poop outside - how gross.... I suggest building yourself a greenhouse. That way you'll be able to mimic being outside without having to deal with the hardships that exist outside - like finding animal poop in your garden.
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:37 a.m.
My dogs are never permitted to wander onto my neighbors property and poop in their gardens. They do not get up on their winds sills and scratch at my neighbors screens. They are my responsibility as a pet owner. My neighbors willingly allow their cats to roam MY property daily, crap in my gardens, scratch at my screens, and antagonize my dogs (on my own property) who are not allowed to roam off leash. I see neighborhood outdoor cats with mange, and no doubt they are infrequently, if ever, taken to a vet.They are irresponsible pet owners, and statistics show that outdoor cats live far shorter lives. Perhaps the young coyotes and fox that roam my neighborhood will take care of that irresponsibility. If you want a pet cat, be responsible. Why get a cat in the first place, if you only dump it outside? Too lazy to clean a litterbox or actually care for your pet cat? If dog owners were to allow their domestic animals to wander unsupervised and uncared for, it would be neglect. What entitles cat owners? Even the Humane Society of Huron Valley states that adopted cats should be indoor only, with the exception of the non-domesticated feral population. Be responsible as a pet owner, or don't get one in the first place.
arborani
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
Sorry to see the discussion devolve into "payback."
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:22 p.m.
There's cat feces in my vegetable garden.
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:14 p.m.
Some cants dont bury their feces Martha. its not chipmunk poop in my garden. A cat is a pet. A squirrel or a robin is not. They are nature. Irresponsible pet owners who don't take their pets to the vet for rabies and other vaccinations are the problem. Fleas, mange, etc. exist on cats. People have allowed dogs to roam freely in many parts of the world as well. The Humane Society adopts cats to owners that by contract are to keep them indoors. But I guess you think you know better than the humane society. NOT.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
Because cats like being outside, and they aren't dogs. Why live by people if you can't accept simple things like cats being outside that people have allowed for thousands of years? Maybe you should get a house in the middle of no where so you can avoid having to come across the horror of an outdoor cat. But then again, I suspect the horror of living closer to real of nature would be far too much for you to handle.
Martha Andrews-Schmidt
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:02 p.m.
My cat is a spayed indoor cat, and I encourage neighbors with outdoor cats to be responsible cat-owners. But I have had indoor/outdoor cats and have found that if they are fed adequate commercial cat food they rarely attack wildlife. And, btw, as I indicated in a previous comment, cats, unlike dogs and most other animals, bury their feces.
Martha Andrews-Schmidt
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
Are you equally horrified by the abattoirs, the slaughter houses of our nation? We as humans could choose to become vegetarians or vegans and shut down the abattoirs, but do we? Cats have no such choice; they are carnivores by nature. I am not horrified by nature. Nature is complex and awe-inspiring, amazing.
Tano
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
What do you think is in cat food?
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:41 a.m.
Yep, I'm equally horrified and a healthy vegetarian. Get some cat food. Cats are DOMESTIC animals. I do not allow my prey driven dogs to kill whatever they please since it's in their "nature". Or do you think that the humane society is clueless?
justcurious
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:22 a.m.
We have two cats and three dogs. One of the cats stays inside or lounges in the sun on the back deck. She's 19 years old. The other cat came to us four years ago as a tiny kitten. He poked his head up through the ferns out front and said "please adopt me. I need help" That cat has never been happy being a strictly indoor cat. He has also never brought anything to our doorstep as some cats do. I have never seen him stalk anything, though that doesn't mean he hasn't done it. However, one of our dogs kills any living thing that enters her fenced yard...snakes, moles, chipmunks etc. She is small and she is fast...a terrier mix. Most of us eat killed animals and their deaths are not very pleasant in the slaughter houses. Consider that.
arborani
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
Anyone who thinks cats can't "talk" has probably not had a Siamese.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
The other cat came to us four years ago as a tiny kitten. He poked his head up through the ferns out front and said "please adopt me. I need help". You could probably make some serious money with a talking cat.
Gorc
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:22 a.m.
Maybe the birds are unfamiliar with Michigan's stand your ground laws to help protect themselves.
sun runner
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:22 a.m.
I have three indoor-only cats who are only allowed outside on a leash. Yes, I walk my cats. Two of them prefer to nibble grass next to my front steps. The third one actually loves to walk around the block. He goes nuts when he sees me with his little Velcro jacket and leash (pictures here: http://imgur.com/a/CfCII). I decided about 10 years ago that the world at large was too dangerous and unpredictable for my cats to roam at will. Cars, dogs, communicable diseases, fleas, bird-killing, malicious people...I avoid having to worry about all of them by keeping my cats inside.
TruEMU_fan
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 9:41 p.m.
my cats won't have anything to do with a leash and harness...
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
@arborani "go" on the toilet, as some cats actually have learned".. The it should be easy to get them to walk on a leash. Back to lazy owners, I guess.
arborani
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
Good job, EyeHeart. Now if you can train your dog to "go" on the toilet, as some cats actually have learned . . .
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
@JBK; I tried to get my dog housebroken once and it didn't work. So, I tried it a few more times and I trained him. Odd concept, but it worked in my case.
JBK
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
Sun - Great pics. I tried it once and my cats hated the harness. glad you could make it work!:)
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:43 a.m.
Good to see a responsible pet owner. If you can do it, why can't others? Are they too lazy?
Hugh Giariola
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:21 a.m.
Although I understand your concern for the baby birds, I don't believe the robin population in Michigan is in any imminent danger of extinction.
Hugh Giariola
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:22 a.m.
No, that was the example used by the author in the article. What are YOU suggesting?
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
Are you suggesting cats only kill robins?
Jon Saalberg
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:17 a.m.
"As a dog owner, I am not allowed to simply open my door, allowing my dog out to freely wander the neighborhood…" Yes, that is because dogs sometimes bite people and drop gifts in my front yard, and pee on our flowers and grass, leaving dead spots. Cats, generally speaking, do none of these things.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:18 p.m.
My vegetable garden has become a litter box for a cat (or cats) in my neighborhood. Yuck!!!
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:38 p.m.
Right - most cats wait to come back inside prior to taking a dump or peeing. Except for my kids sandbox, I guess.
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:44 a.m.
I have the neighbors cat crap in my gardens all the time. The neighbors cat bit my kid. All pet owners need to be responsible. They are PETS, after all.
Greg
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:13 a.m.
1. Judging by the ammount and area covered by dog feces, many dog owners are either not keeping their dogs on a lease and are not cleaning up after them. 2. Cats are so established both wild and owned that it is unlikely you would be willing to spend the tax dollars needed to make any real change to things. 3. When my wife is in our yard and someones dog runs out and scares here badly by running up and barking and growling at her, that is far more reason to worry about dogs than any cat I know of. (Panthers and Lions excluded) 4. If "discrimination" against your dog(s) bothers you too much, don't have a dog. No problem then.
arborani
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
But...but...but...wouldn't "pithy writing" be a compliment?
DennisP
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:13 a.m.
Often, if you chase the cat, they will drop the prey. I've retrieved and released many a bird this way. As for this "opinion" it is colored with anthropomorphic misperception about cats. Describing the cat as a marauder and murderer is ridiculous. It's a cat. Not Genghis Khan. It's a shame that the opinion writer seems to think that only cats devastate the wild bird population. That's a myth. Other birds (e.g. crows and blackbirds) often raid nests. You ever see small birds try to chase a crow away in flight? Happens often and it's for that reason. Wild rodents will steal eggs. Raccoons eat anything--dead or alive. I guess because they are less visible and stealthier than Fluffy, they don't count. Cats actually help reduce the amount of vermin in the area. As for cat poop, cats tend to bury it. Not like the big dumps I find on the edge of the lawn leftover from inconsiderate dog walkers. Further, geese present a far larger problem--so much so, it affects our water drainage system and our beaches with E. coli. Does anyone think that Rocky Raccoon uses a restroom? The world and your finest soil is filled with poop. You just don't realize how much... "Marauder", "murder"--really, now? It's all a matter of perspective, if you're a baby insect, that robin would look pretty threatening too.
Thaddeus
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 3:48 p.m.
Even if a bird escapes a cat attact, it will often die from it's wounds and resulting infection. A situation even worse for the bird. Cats outdoors (feral, stray, house - call them as you will) are an environmental nightmare. They are the mammalian equivalent to what zebra mussels are to our lakes, purple loosestrife to our wetlands, and the emerald ash borer to our forests. While things you say that other animals do is true, that is natural. Cats on many levels are a far greater issue. An issue and problem that people created. And best of all - an issue and problem that humans can take enormous steps to rectify by keeping their cats from running outside. As well as start more aggressively dealing with cats now living outside. Cats (unfortunately due to countless irresponsible humans) have very much deserved their despised status for very good reasons....
JB SHOOTER
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:06 p.m.
Chipmunks are also nest raiders. I wish there would have been a cat around when the chipmunks raided a nest on my back porch.
arborani
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
Thank you, DennisP. Sane and logical post.
snark12
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:54 a.m.
Speaking of raccoons, do a search on "raccoon roundworm." Ewwww....
ypsicat
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:12 a.m.
Cats live much longer as indoor only pets. Problem solved.
NSider
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:10 a.m.
How soon we forget the Black Plague. Go ahead, keep all the cats indoors, your home will be safe from rodents. But don't venture outside, the fleas travel from rodent to rodent and that was how the Black Plague spread. Without them? Good luck.
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
Nsider I've worked in barns. Yes. Cats have a purpose. And a rural area is different than a suburban area. And the grain? There's more rats in food processing plants but I sure don't want cats running around there. It's a simple request of neighbors to NOT have their pet cat running around the 'hood. Why is that so hard for people to understand. I have a dog. I don't expect to be allowed to let her run around the 'hood. I pick up. I keep her leashed. And I have a fenced yard. Adopt a cat. Be responsible.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
From Wikipedia The last cases of smallpox in the world occurred in an outbreak of two cases (one of which was fatal) in Birmingham, UK in 1978. A medical photographer, Janet Parker, contracted the disease at the University of Birmingham Medical School and died on September 11, 1978,[77] after which the scientist responsible for smallpox research at the university, Professor Henry Bedson, committed suicide.[4] In light of this incident, all known stocks of smallpox were destroyed or transferred to one of two WHO reference laboratories which had BSL-4 facilities; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States and the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR in Koltsovo, Russia.[78]
NSider
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
@GoNavy, yep, that variety. And we also beat smallpox, oh, wait a minute, that's back. @CPLtownie, ask any farmer why they allow barn cats. You enjoy that grain you're eating yesterday and today? But what about tomorrow's? Or are you suggesting we use poisons to kill all pests? Yeah, that'll fly with the environmentalists. As for the "poor little baby robin", I'll bet people felt that way about pigeons once upon a time as well.
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:44 a.m.
Cats carry fleas too. Argument null and void.
GoNavy
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:17 a.m.
I'm pretty sure we figured out the cure to the Plague.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:10 a.m.
Just the other day I was watching a robin "murder" a worm, a defenseless worm that never hurt anybody, when suddenly a Coopers Hawk swooped down and murdered the Robin. Its nice to be at the top of the food chain.
mibadger
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 5:13 p.m.
But outdoor cats don't eat the birds, they just kill them.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:08 p.m.
One reason I stay out of the ocean is I'm just an item on the buffet in there. ;)
Gerard Jendras
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
And in time, we'll both be food for worms. Ah, the great circle of life!
Chaz H
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:57 a.m.
Even if you somehow managed to get such a law passed... good luck with enforcement.
arborani
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:39 p.m.
"Herding cats" also comes to mind.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
It's my understanding that the Ann Arbor Police Department no longer has an animal enforcement officer because of budget cuts.
arborani
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2 p.m.
I'm picturing "Dog Catchers" in pursuit of a cat that doesn't want to be caught. Hard to keep a straight face.
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:01 p.m.
Cat tags.
SonnyDog09
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:51 a.m.
Does Ann Arbor have dog catchers anymore?
craigjjs
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:13 a.m.
Dog Catchers (by whatever name) could quite capably deal with cats.
rutrow
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:49 a.m.
Not sure why the insistence on pointing out that cats were not original inhabitants of the US. Like, that matters now? Anyway, though I support the effort to control their population, cats' natural habitat is both indoors and outdoors, not just inside an apartment all their lives. Nature is funny in that predators happen and occurrences that you and I find awful happen naturally. I hated when my cats would kill something. But nothing humans do will change that---or change dogs' sometimes aggressive habits. It's just the way it is, and forcing artificial habitats won't help very much.
craigjjs
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:12 a.m.
You answered your own question on the insistence of pointing out that cats were not original inhabitants. The reason is to point it out is to address claims, such as yours, that domestic cat behavior is just 'nature'. Cats and dogs have been domesticated for many years and humans certainly do change dogs' aggressive habits. Humans change dog conduct in many ways and quite easily. Not so for cats. I have had cats and like them, but they can create problems for others. They urinate and defecate on other people's property, fight, howl and walk all over cars. There was a time not that long ago when it was socially acceptable to allow dogs to run free (with license or without). That has changed. Most people have even accepted the requirement (legal in some places and social) of cleaning up after their dogs. It is quite possible to enforce legal and social requirements for cat owners. Whether there is presently sufficient support for such requirements is a different story.
MorningGlory
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:49 a.m.
...although I do think there is a place for a few well managed outdoor colonies of feral cats, especially when utilized to keep mouse populations in check in rural barns.
MorningGlory
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 7:12 p.m.
Feral cats are typically unsocialized and afraid of humans. They are often born in the wild and if not socialized with humans early in life, are unable to be domesticated later. While they do a great job of keeping barns free of rodents and other disease causing pests, it is best to keep their populations in check by utilizing TNR programs. It is true that cats are not a natural part of the ecosystem in this area of the world. Then again, neither are European Starlings.
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
Billy- Cats are something humans can control releasing in the environment. Reason. Rodents can be managed as a naturally occurring nuisance. Reason. People leaving their cats run amok. Unreasonable.
Billy
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:28 p.m.
"Feral cats can spread disease, devastate local fauna, and create other issues." And rodent populations cant? LOL...hilarious reasoning here.....
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:48 a.m.
Feral cats can spread disease, devastate local fauna, and create other issues. I have a neighbour that lives near a feral cat community - feral cats are not nice creatures. Would you like a colony of feral dogs? No domesticated animal should be allowed to for a feral community.
MorningGlory
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:46 a.m.
As the owner of two indoor only cats I completely agree. Keeping your cat indoors is safer for both the cat and local wildlife.
mady
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
Yep, my cat is an indoor kitty and quite content!
arborani
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
Strongly agree.
Kevin McGuinness
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:45 a.m.
I love waking to the song of birds and sitting outside on evenings listening to there songs. I also love watching cats moving slowing and quietly in search of their prey. My aunt had a cat that would go down to the rocks on the sound and attempt to catch fish from the rocks. How many chances do we get to see nature playing out its natural game. Who are we to interfere with nature. Is the next step eradication of red tail hawks who prey on song birds in Ann Arbor. Cat not only prey on birds bu also prey on rodents. Good job cats. As far as I know cats are no threat to my safety.
hail2thevict0r
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
GoNavy - sure. You can kill most things. There are a few restrictions here or there. I'd have no problem with you getting a bb gun, shooting a sparrow and eating it.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:19 p.m.
"Who are we to interfere with nature. " "Cats are the interlopers here. They are not indigenous to the United States, having been brought here by humans to control a rodent population. " Which is it?
GoNavy
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:17 a.m.
Hey - I like this "nature" thing. Does that mean that, as the penultimate predator on the planet, I can freely kill any other animal around? In doing so, I can help you see "nature playing out its natural game."
Barb
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:54 a.m.
These are domesticated animals. They're not meant to be out in "nature". I'm not in favor of a law but I do not understand why some who professes to love their pet will just them out and *hope* they don't get hit by a car or meet some other demise.
actionjackson
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:39 a.m.
I agree. As a former Siamese (outdoor cat) owner I was very uncomfortable watching him not only go after birds but spray on peoples doors. He had to go. We always had an indoor cat but this one decided he would go out and stay out all day. I would not tolerate the behavior of his actions. He went back to his original owner and I feel better for it. No more pooping in neighbors gardens. 1
PhillyCheeseSteak
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
My raised bed of vegetables routinely has cat poop in it. I don't own a cat. I find that disgusting.
arborani
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.
Paprika Z is correct - all cats CAN spray - even neutered females, if there's another resident female cat they consider "competition". It certainly helps to spay or neuter young - by 3-4 months or at least 2 pounds weight. Please consult your vet on this.
Billy
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
If your cat was spraying...that means you're an irresponsible cat owner by not having it spayed or neutered AND THEN LETTING IT GO OUTSIDE... You have no dog in this show...
dougfair
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:08 p.m.
Did you do anything to try train the Siamese? Analyze why he preferred to go outdoors, and give him an enticing indoor alternative?
Paprika Z
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:48 a.m.
Martha, all cats can spray. Neutered cats are less likely to do so. I agree that all pet cats should be neutered or spayed, but the only thing this ensures is that they won't reproduce.
Steve Bean
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:44 a.m.
The cats (yes, multiple) that have pooped in our yard regularly didn't bury it (successfully).
Martha Andrews-Schmidt
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:22 a.m.
It is every cat-owner's responsibility to neuter/spay their animal. Neutered cats do not spray, not do they add to overpopulation. And, btw, unlike dogs and most other animals, cats bury their feces.
Fresh Start
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:34 a.m.
Go find something else to formulate an opinion on. Cats....Really?
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:01 p.m.
A voice of reason...Thank you
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:20 a.m.
"As a dog owner, I am not allowed to simply open my door, allowing my dog out to freely wander the neighborhood, and I am required to license her" When was the last time you heard of a cat mauling or killing a human? I read about dog attacks a lot. If you have any doubts about the dangers of dogs take the time & talk to your mail person. This may be the 1 of the reasons why you "simply open my door, allowing my dog out to freely wander"
C.C. Ingersoll
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 5:29 p.m.
A cat bite is one of the more venomous animal bites due to the bacteria they harbor (seriously; look it up) A friend of mine had to have her arm amputated at the elbow because her cat bit her when she was trying to free it's claws from a screen window. If you get bitten by a cat make sure to clean the wound VERY well and bleed it a lot to make sure there's no bacteria inside the wound. Small children can get bitten by feral cats (New Orleans has a HUGE feral cat population) and not think to tell their parents until it's too late.
Cory C
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.
I let my dog out to freely wander all the time. He's trained to stay in the yard. Works great for all involved. Dog attacks are not the issue here.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
So, if I have a little dog, it is OK then to let it run? When is the last time you heard of a Chiwawa mauling or killing a human?
CPLtownie
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:06 p.m.
Loose cats bite, scratch, and oftentimes harder to catch should someone in your family have a negative encounter with them. Rabies? Try and catch the offending cat (less likely to even have any type of collar/ID tag) and if you're not successful, looks like rabies shots will be in order. Cat scratch fever (the disease, not the song) is still actually quite common.
GoNavy
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.
Its suggested that unrestricted cat populations are among the greatest threats to birds on the planet. I'm sure lots of neighborhoods have no problem with mini lions and tigers roaming their streets devouring birds.