Quote:
Originally Posted by Luckypants
I know this is cats just doing the instinctive thing, but this really annoys me. Field mice, voles, shrews etc are in decline and as a result so are the species that predate on them, such as owls. The huge numbers of domestic cats allowed to roam free while 'mummy' or 'daddy' are at work means that these small mammals are being hunted to extinction. Small bird numbers such as sparrows are also in decline, related to the same issue.
This is why the local cat population gets catapulted by me if they come into my field. I'm trying to promote habitat for small mammals and so encourage owls back into my small piece of woodland. I am also providing hedgerow habitat for small birds to increase thier numbers. Unless I discourage the cats from the village houses that border my land, all I'm doing is providing entertainment for bored moggies waiting for thier owners to return and let them in.
I know it sounds like I got a grand estate from the description, but it's only one field with a few trees!  Just trying to give nature a helping hand. |
Oh man that sounds awesome.
You need to get a dog though. A nice clever gundog that will leave everything alone apart from the cats.
There are about 10 cats whose range includes my street, and therefore my garden, yet my little patch is a haven for birds, frogs, bugs, bees n wee beasties - simply because my dog goes on regular patrols of the garden.
Word got round the cat community I think when, in the early days, I opened the back door to let him out and he was confronted by a huge tabby in the middle of the lawn.
Tabby makes a run for the apple tree before Kodo has even moved, turns round on a mid-high branch and makes to gloat at the poor stupid dog that was approaching the base of the tree at speed...
... the look of shock on the cat's face as Kodo then launched himself at the treetrunk and proceeded to run up to the lowest branch, and carry on climbing, was priceless. Daft mog attempted to backpedal further up the branch and fell out of the tree. Hightailed it over the fence and was never seen again - nor was any other cat.
This is the same dog, who when stretched out on the lawn in the sun, didn't bat an eyelid when one of our resident robins hopped along the lawn, on to the dog, continued along the lawn looking for bugs.
He's like their cat-repelling guardian.
