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OAKVILLE BEAVER Saturday, March 14, 2009 · 8 STUDIO ONE DESIGN & BUILD INC. Cats are natural predators D omestic cats left to roam outdoors have generated significant controversy among wildlife biologists and cat behaviourists. Some believe cats cause heightened mortality among birds and small mammals and have a significant impact on local ecology. Others dispute the severity of the problem. Extensive studies of the feeding habits of free-roaming domestic cats have been conducted over the last 55 years world wide. Scientists estimate that nationwide in the United States, cats kill billions of birds and small mammals each year. Others say the list includes frogs, lizards, snakes, fish, earthworms, butterflies and dragonflies. Scientists also now list invasive species, including cats, as the second most serious threat to bird populations worldwide. With millions of cats living an outdoor life, they may be considered the most widespread predator in the world. While a free-roaming lifestyle is not desirable for cats in urban environments due to the dangers (traffic, angry people and wildlife) people continue to put their animal at risk by letting them roam freely. Some cats, such as those on farms or in rural areas, will always be allowed outdoors unsupervised. In either case, the instinct to hunt is independent of the need to eat and so when left outdoors a cat will naturally kill prey. Often this prey will find its way home to the owner. Why cats bring home their prey isn't clear, but one hypothesis is they bring captured prey to a safe area to avoid them from being stolen by other cats. Another is that cats bring home prey to share. In Britain, wildlife researchers have hired the services of 200 neighbourhood cats equipped with electronic tags to discover how much wildlife destruction is wrought by feline pets. The Reading University project, has been set up to provide answers, using electronic tracking and computing analysis to monitor cat movements in detail. When cats are free to roam they have an impact on the balance of the ecosystem and pose a threat. Owned cats have huge advantages over native predators. They receive protection from disease, predation, competition and starvation. Cats with dependable food sources are not as vulnerable to changes in prey populations. Unlike many native predators, cats are not strictly territorial. Cats can exist at much higher densities and may out-compete native predators for food. Unaltered cats are also prolific breeders. In warm climates, a female cat can have three litters per year, with four to six kittens per litter. Pet owners hold the solution. One obvious answer is to not allow your cat to roam freely outdoors. In the Town of Oakville, Bylaw #2001-083 regulates the keeping of cats. This bylaw requires owners to ensure their pet has identification (a collar, tag or microchip), and to ensure that their cat is not found in a place other than the premises of the owner without ID, otherwise the owner may find their cat at the shelter. Failure to abide by the by-law could result in fines. The Oakville and District Humane Society is contracted by the Town of Oakville to enforce this by-law. The best solution for the ecosystem and the safety of your cat is conversion of outdoor cats to an indoor lifestyle. Building an outdoor cat enclosure offers both safety and the outdoors in a controlled environment. The cat's natural instinct to hunt remains the same, but can be controlled through the use of toys and other diversions leaving these urban predators to a much safer lifestyle for everyone. BASEMENTS ADDITIONS WINDOWS · Licensed · Insured · WSIB Over 20 years experience Featured contractor on popular home revovation show 905-257-3092 Call for a Free Estimate - Stop Renting And Save Money New Slopeside Property For A Fraction Of The Cost At Holiday Valley MARCH SALE collectibles & décor for the home Scheduled to be completed this winter 2009/2010 Fractional ownership ranges from $59,900 - $174,900 Traditional whole ownership purchases also available Have access to an extensive list of amenities and services for year round enjoyment Indoor/Outdoor Heated Pools Hot Tubs Saunas Fitness Center Personal Ski Lockers Concierge Bell Service Room Service Valet Parking Underground Parking True Slopeside Location Owners Club Room Next To First Hole For Golf Exchange to 4000 Resorts Worldwide 50% OFF equal or greater value. Sale ends March 31/09 Buy 1 Item get the 2nd Item for For More Information Call in, visit our website, or stop by the showroom for our informational wine and cheese receptions Everyday March 13th to 21st 2:00pm to 5:00pm (716) 699-3500 | www.tamarackclub.com | info@tamarackclub.com This advertisement is being used for the purpose of promoting timeshare sales at Holiday Valley. The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from the sponsor. File No. T07-0009 Hopedale Mall, 1515 Rebecca St., Oakville 905.825.8803 www.canadacollectibles.com