The role of domestic cats in the admission of injured wildlife at rehabilitation and rescue centers

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe reviewed data collected from 82 wildlife rehabilitation centers throughout North America (the WILD‐ONe database) during a 3.5‐year period to determine common causes of admission and disposition of animals. We found domestic pets to be responsible for 14% of admissions and the second most common identifiable cause of wildlife injury. Greater numbers of birds than reptiles, amphibians, or mammals were admitted for rehabilitation as a result of attacks by domestic cat (Felis catus) attack; 78% of these did not survive. The majority of immature individual animals of all species submitted because of cat attacks also died or had to be euthanized because of the severity of injuries. Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), American robin (Turdus migratorius), and eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) were the species most commonly affected by domestic cats, but roaming cats injured thousands of animals representing 290 different species. Species common in urban and suburban environments are most vulnerable to domestic cat attack. In contrast to other studies that quantify only the mortality of wildlife, we found that domestic cat predation leads to severe injuries and extensive recovery for wildlife. We hope the baseline information offered by our analysis of the WILD‐ONe database will inspire discussion by urban–suburban communities and ultimately, result in management actions to reduce wild animal injuries and losses due to domestic pets. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.