CATS: Trapping is toxic

Today humans are on the cusp of wiping the cat family off the face of the Earth. Most modern cat species, big and small, are now in grave decline, losing grounds to humans daily, even small domestics. Predator hatred is hard-wired even in people who should know that predators are sentient beings, and are essential to a balanced ecosystem.

This is why it is inappropriate to abuse, trap and kill them for our convenience, sport or to do so in order to balance nature’s theoretical numbers. Domestic cats are primarily an urban phenomena in North and South America and on farms and ranches. They cannot survive beyond that in the wildlands and forests of North and South America because they lack the skills to evade the other predators such as foxes, coyotes, wolves, bobcats, lynx, cougars, owls, falcons and eagles. In fact, domestic cats are prey of these animals even in many urban areas.

Although many recommend keeping cats, a predator animal indoors and offer them ample play hunting time! We are depriving our indoor only cats of their innate need to hunt and catch prey by feeding them in bowls. We humans try to adjust to this threat to our beloved pets, as well as to protect wildlife and satisfy intolerant neighbors by keeping cats indoors, especially at night, dusk to dawn, or making catios and enclosed backyards reducing the risk.

Keeping cats indoors full time, especially younger more active ones often causes many other unwanted issues making it impossible as well as being insignificant when habitat loss and our use of chemicals/poisons are factored into the wildlife issue. If they become pests or you are intolerant just gently let them know and they will figure out where they are not welcome. We can and should co-exist with the domestic cats indoors and outdoors for a more peaceful community as they are essential to the ecosystem.

JAMES H. MUNDY IV

Coeur d’Alene