Cat Wars

Adult nonfiction 

     One of the things that Eugene and I can't agree on is where Tobago cat belongs.  He thinks that keeping a creature wired to hunt indoors is cruel.  I insist that she only go out in her carrier when she has to see her veterinarian.  Letting her loose would be too perilous for her and for the birds.  It turns out that Peter Marra and Chris Santella, authors of Cat Wars: The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer, are squarely on my side.  They make three highly convincing arguments.

     First there's the toll on wildlife.  It's a problem far bigger than any one feline's preditary prowess.  Carefully calculated estimates show cats killing billions (that's billions with a b) of birds each year in America alone.  Some species have even been driven to extinction.  

     Then there's the problem of disease.  We tend to connect rabies with dogs.  But other domestic animals in contact with infected wild animals can catch the virus and transmit it to humans.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that rabid cats are a public health problem.

     The toxoplasma gondii, a parasite, is a better known danger.  It is transmitted to humans through cat feces.  That's why pregnant women are told not to change litter boxes.  Outdoor cats use sand boxes as litter boxes, endangering toddlers who haven't outgrown the tendency to put everything in their mouths.

     And who knows what other zoonotic diseases may be evolving?

     Finally there's the welfare of the cat itself.  Cats who are outside even part of the time lead shorter, more precarious lives.  Predators include wild animals such as fishers and lynxes, large unleashed dogs, and sadistic humans.  Motor vehicles take a huge toll.  Poisons such as antifreeze, even if ingested in small amounts, cause excruciating (and needless) death.  Is this what you want for your best little cat in the world?

     If, like me, you keep your cat companions inside you're off the hook.  But if you minimize the dangers of a feline indoor/outdoor life style Cat Wars needs to be on your reading list.

On a purrrsonal note things were a little quieter in the Commuter Lounge today.  Our event was a catered lunch with representatives of the Career Center who answered questions about the services they provide.  The weather is amazing.  I think we might hit 70 tomorrow.  It's a good think because I'll be outside chalking information about our ice cream sundae bonanza.  (Jules)

It feels more like spring every day.  (Tobago)

A great big shout out to all the professionals in our Career Center.

Tobago and Jules Hathaway 

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