Cats and Wildlife

Module 1	Module 1
Recorded on: 2023-07-20
Unit 1	Presentation Materials: Cats and Wildlife
Unit 2	Transcript: Cats and Wildlife
Unit 3	Workbook: Cats and Wildlife
Unit 4	Recording: Cats and Wildlife

Cats and wildlife often go in conflict with each other. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) understands that despite the risk one poses for the other, it is critical to care for both. This session unpacks how animal welfare agencies and communities can step in to ensure that cats, wildlife, and humans co-exist with one another.

This session’s presenters are Danielle Bays and Lynsey White. Danielle is the Senior Analyst for Cat Protection and Policy at the Humane Society of the United States where she helps with stakeholders to broaden support for community cat programs and improve cat welfare. Meanwhile, Lynsey White is the Director of Humane Wildlife Conflict Resolution for The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) where she helps communities find effective and humane solutions to human-wildlife conflicts.

Specifics of their discussion are about:

The history of human-cat relationships and how cats were domesticated.
The conflict between cats and wildlife and the efforts to effectively mitigate it through community cat programs.
The critical steps to an effective community cat program and studies that support its effectiveness.
The benefits of a community cat program beyond just resolving cat-wildlife conflict but also for population management and disease control and prevention.
NACA’s recommended strategies to integrate into community cat programs.
The value of understanding the real concern for complaints and using data to better develop response protocols.
Tips to trap community cats safely and humanely.
A rundown of the dangers present to outdoor cats – particularly wildlife.
How keeping cats indoors is central to protecting them from wildlife, its benefits, and what can be implemented to transition into an indoor-only lifestyle.
Getting outdoor cat owners and community cat caretakers to prevent conflict with wildlife and protect community cats.
Cats’ tendency to prey on wildlife and ways to prevent this by keeping cats indoors, promoting spaying, neutering and identification, and using tools and tactics that reduce the risk.
The effectiveness of tools like bells, bibs, and collars.
How removing bird feeders or keeping them out of cats’ reach can prevent cat attacks on birds.
How to manage and prevent injuries caused by cats to wildlife.
Ways to deter cats through physical tools like motion-activated devices, physical barriers, and garden deterrents.
How changes in feeding practices and encouraging cats to stay where they’re wanted deters unwelcome cats.
Keeping cats happy and safe through indoor modifications, interactive play, taking them for walks, or building a catio.

Questions from the webinar attendees are about:

Getting animal control entities to manage cat issues.
No-roam by-laws and licensing requirements for cats.
Whose responsibility it is to prevent cats from causing conflicts with others in the community.
The number and prevalence of cat colonies across the United States.
Public complaints for cat droppings and cats scratching properties.

Other Webinars with HSUS

Feb 16: Solving Problems with Canada Geese
April 11: Community Policing Lessons for Animal Protection
April 27: Solving Problems with Deer
May 25: Community Engagement and De-Escalation for Animal Service Professionals
July 20: Cats and Wildlife (this webinar)
Sept 28: What to Do about Conflicts with Rodents
Jan 25, 2024: In It for the Long Haul: Combatting Compassion Fatigue and Enhancing Resiliency for Animal Welfare Professionals

Or, click here to register and view other Animal Welfare webinars and recordings on the JCH website.

Resources and Handouts

Handout: Cats, Wildlife and You
Handout: Wildlife Conflict Guide

Audience Comments

“Good suggestions for more community engagement.” — Brendan
“The talk on ideas in structures protecting community cats. Elevated structures & feeding stations.” — Elise
“I never knew that bells and collars didn’t work to protect birds. I also liked all the ideas to deter cat, the motion, activated, lights, and sprinklers & the prickly mats. Any wildlife information is greatly appreciated.” — Jennifer
“This was super informative!” — Jen
“The idea that cats are genetically predisposed to hunt. I know this seems obvious, but it was eye-opening to me.” — Mela

This webinar is part of the JCH Summer School Program. From June 1-August 31, 2023, attendees will receive a certificate of attendance via email about one hour after the conclusion of a webinar.

Want to join us for other Summer School webinars? Check out our Summer School Calendar and register today!

This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit. Please refer to your NACA membership portal for current CEU submission process. Current NACA Members who attend the live presentation or watch the recording will be able to download a jointly issued attendance certificate that includes the National Animal Care & Control Association logo. Visit the NACA training page for a complete list of future trainings.

Founded in 1954, the Humane Society of the United States and its affiliates around the globe fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals. Together with millions of supporters, the HSUS takes on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries, and together with its affiliates, rescues and provides direct care for over 100,000 animals every year. The HSUS works on reforming corporate policy, improving and enforcing laws and elevating public awareness on animal issues.