Contact: , American Bird Conservancy, 202/234-7181 ext. 207

"Managed" Cat Colonies in Parks Harmful to Birds and Other Wildlife New Study Shows

The non-profit conservation group, American Bird Conservancy (ABC), has long opposed so-called "managed" colonies of stray and feral cats, claiming that such colonies cannot be effectively controlled and that these cats, no matter how well fed, are still responsible for the deaths of thousands of native songbirds and other animals. Now, a new scientific study backs up ABC’s claim that the efforts of stray cat feeders are misguided and damaging to wildlife.

The study by Dan Castillo at the Department of Environmental Studies at Florida International University, contradicts widely-held beliefs by cat colony proponents that well-fed cats do not kill wildlife, that cats are territorial and will prevent more cats from joining the colony, and that cat colonies decline in size over time.

Two cat colonies in Miami-Dade County parks were observed for 13 months and, contrary to previous assumptions, it was found that almost every month new cats joined the colonies while other cats disappeared. The colonies acted as dumping grounds for people abandoning cats, despite state and county laws making this illegal. Despite attempts by volunteers to have the cats spayed or neutered, intact cats were observed, as were pregnant cats and newborn kittens.

Although well-fed, cats at both locations were observed chasing, stalking and killing birds and other animals. Aggressive interactions among the cats were few and did not limit cat access to food or the colonies. Cat feeders placed large amounts of food throughout the parks which then attracted other animals such as raccoons, fox, skunks and stray dogs.

According to Mr. Castillo, "Managed cat colonies are not the solution to cat overpopulation problems. My findings demonstrate that the establishment of cat colonies on public lands encourages cat abandonment and is harmful to native wildlife. Cat colonies do not decline over time - they just perpetuate themselves."

Linda Winter, director of Cats Indoors! for ABC stated, "Mr. Castillo’s study confirms what other studies have shown - that cat colonies cannot be managed and do not belong in parks. Solutions to the stray cat overpopulation problem must also protect birds and other wildlife."

ABC's Cats Indoors! Campaign is supported by thousands of individuals and organizations in the conservation, animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, and veterinary communities.