Prey selection and predation behavior of free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) in an urban ecosystem: Implications for urban cat management

The ecological impact of free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) is well-studied. However, despite receiving considerable attention in both the scientific and popular literature, predation behavior is rarely an explicit consideration when developing cat population management plans. We used motion-activated wildlife cameras to document predation events by cats in Washington, D.C. (U.S.A), and assessed the relationships between pre-dation and local environmental characteristics. Our analyses reveal that predation by cats is greatest where supplemental food is most abundant, and that the probability of a cat preying upon a native species increases closer to forest edges. Conversely, we found that the probability of a cat depredating a non-native brown rat increases with increasing distance from forest edges. Therefore, we recommend the implementation of cat exclusionary buffer zones around urban forests and that free-roaming domestic cat management policies explicitly consider the spatial location of cat-feeding sites. Our findings provide a data-driven approach to free-roaming cat management.

Automated summary

Research shows that predation by domestic cats is highest where supplemental food is most abundant, and the probability of cats preying on native species increases closer to forest edges. Recommendations include implementing cat exclusionary buffer zones around urban forests and considering the spatial location of cat-feeding sites in management policies. These findings provide a data-driven approach to managing free-roaming domestic cats.