Cats may be more deadly than thought, they spread toxoplasmosis that may make us crazy.Dont let people make you feel lazyif you refuse to clean the litter pan of sweet Daisy.
Normally I never reply to editorial cartoons, because I feel that editorialists deserve the right to their own, individual opionions, too. However, Based upon the timing juxtaposition between this cartoon and the issuance of a so-called ‘report’ regarding cats being responsible for killing ‘millions of small animals’ , I would like to ask Mr. Danziger if he was aware of the following:
The headline of the online article read: “Staggering Stats: Cats Kill Billions of Animals a Year”
Then the middle of the article states: "For this broader analysis . . . estimated that around 84 million owned-cats . . . many of which are allowed outdoors.
Based on an analysis of past studies, the researchers estimated . . .
But the major scourges for wildlife were not those free-ranging, owned-cats, but instead feral and un-owned cats that survive on the streets. Each of those kitties — and the team estimates . . ."
Estimates . . . estimates . . . estimates . . . estimates are not statistics. And if you are going to ‘estimate’, give us the numbers and methodology for which you used to derive said estimates.
“many of which are allowed outdoors” . . . Really? Define “many”. 5%? 50%? And again, where is the source of this conclusion?
“I have known some horses and a good many more pigs who I believe harbored evil intent in their hearts. I will go further and say all cats are wicked, though often useful. Who has not seen Satan in their sly faces?” – Mattie Ross, True Grit (Charles Portis)
THE number ONE cause of the loss of our passerine birds has been predation by “domestic” cats, many gone feral. Cats are HUNTERS, all of them, as the report points out. My cat does have a bell that warns some birds, but she’s still going hunting if she goes out. In the house, the “hunting” between her and my dachshund has a less violent ending to each “hunt”.
BTW, human destruction of habitat is the number TWO cause of species lost in passerines, but number one cause for most mammal, reptile, and many other avian species, like raptors, and aquatic birds dependent on marsh or wetland habitat. Migrants are also in serious trouble, from hummingbirds to geese (an butterflies) because WE are wiping out habitat. (and yes AGW is part of that!)
I am around home more today because the wind is so bad I don’t want to risk bicycle riding or even driving because people are zig zagging all over the roads.25 mph winds with frequent gusts to 34 or 36 depending on which airport you choose for data.The good news is it is 77 degrees.
What you need to do is introduce two or three breeding pairs of coyotes into the habitat. They’ll take care of your feral cat problem, and your songbirds will come back. It seems to be working out that way in Golden Gate Park (not by design, though; the coyotes found their way here on their own).
Not sure what’s funnier- you waking up to “THE STARE”, or you referring to her as, “my wife’s cat”. Animals sometimes have an amazingly clear allegiance!
Countoftowergrove: Well aware of the starling plague, they’re thick here, and maybe part of the loss of our evening grossbeaks. We went from thousands of them to only 5-10 in an entire migration. Yep, starlings are smart, destructive pests, just like so many introduced species.
Rockngolfer: What’s a brown anole? An Anole carolinasis (green anole) having a bad day? The color change reflects mood, not background. Encountering a cat would indicate a bad day.
Gee those evil cats. Kill birds whose droppings are everywhere and cause diseases http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/61646.php then there are the rodent borne diseases, do your own googling. Of course human destruction of habitat has nothing to do with wildlife loss. (need sarcasm font for last sentence) .
Was at a talk about birds and cats and was told that the bells on the cat’s neck doesn’t work to prevent the birds from being killed.Was at Port Aransas, TX and read that there didn’t seem to be as many cats as there used to be and the writer thought that maybe it was because of the coyotes that were being seen more often.
rockngolfer about 11 years ago
Hey are you alive down there?http://cheezburger.com/7000780032
rockngolfer about 11 years ago
My cat never goes outside, except in the screen room.She manages to kill every little lizard that gets in, though.(brown anoles mostly)
pam Miner about 11 years ago
Cats may be more deadly than thought, they spread toxoplasmosis that may make us crazy.Dont let people make you feel lazyif you refuse to clean the litter pan of sweet Daisy.
Masterius about 11 years ago
Normally I never reply to editorial cartoons, because I feel that editorialists deserve the right to their own, individual opionions, too. However, Based upon the timing juxtaposition between this cartoon and the issuance of a so-called ‘report’ regarding cats being responsible for killing ‘millions of small animals’ , I would like to ask Mr. Danziger if he was aware of the following:
The headline of the online article read: “Staggering Stats: Cats Kill Billions of Animals a Year”
Then the middle of the article states: "For this broader analysis . . . estimated that around 84 million owned-cats . . . many of which are allowed outdoors.
Based on an analysis of past studies, the researchers estimated . . .
But the major scourges for wildlife were not those free-ranging, owned-cats, but instead feral and un-owned cats that survive on the streets. Each of those kitties — and the team estimates . . ."
Estimates . . . estimates . . . estimates . . . estimates are not statistics. And if you are going to ‘estimate’, give us the numbers and methodology for which you used to derive said estimates.
“many of which are allowed outdoors” . . . Really? Define “many”. 5%? 50%? And again, where is the source of this conclusion?
Thanks for you patience.
fritzoid Premium Member about 11 years ago
“I have known some horses and a good many more pigs who I believe harbored evil intent in their hearts. I will go further and say all cats are wicked, though often useful. Who has not seen Satan in their sly faces?” – Mattie Ross, True Grit (Charles Portis)
Dtroutma about 11 years ago
THE number ONE cause of the loss of our passerine birds has been predation by “domestic” cats, many gone feral. Cats are HUNTERS, all of them, as the report points out. My cat does have a bell that warns some birds, but she’s still going hunting if she goes out. In the house, the “hunting” between her and my dachshund has a less violent ending to each “hunt”.
BTW, human destruction of habitat is the number TWO cause of species lost in passerines, but number one cause for most mammal, reptile, and many other avian species, like raptors, and aquatic birds dependent on marsh or wetland habitat. Migrants are also in serious trouble, from hummingbirds to geese (an butterflies) because WE are wiping out habitat. (and yes AGW is part of that!)
rockngolfer about 11 years ago
I am around home more today because the wind is so bad I don’t want to risk bicycle riding or even driving because people are zig zagging all over the roads.25 mph winds with frequent gusts to 34 or 36 depending on which airport you choose for data.The good news is it is 77 degrees.
fritzoid Premium Member about 11 years ago
What you need to do is introduce two or three breeding pairs of coyotes into the habitat. They’ll take care of your feral cat problem, and your songbirds will come back. It seems to be working out that way in Golden Gate Park (not by design, though; the coyotes found their way here on their own).
Rickapolis about 11 years ago
Yes they odd. But I love my cats. After my family I love my cats more than anyone.
Uncle Joe Premium Member about 11 years ago
Not sure what’s funnier- you waking up to “THE STARE”, or you referring to her as, “my wife’s cat”. Animals sometimes have an amazingly clear allegiance!
Dtroutma about 11 years ago
Countoftowergrove: Well aware of the starling plague, they’re thick here, and maybe part of the loss of our evening grossbeaks. We went from thousands of them to only 5-10 in an entire migration. Yep, starlings are smart, destructive pests, just like so many introduced species.
hippogriff about 11 years ago
Rockngolfer: What’s a brown anole? An Anole carolinasis (green anole) having a bad day? The color change reflects mood, not background. Encountering a cat would indicate a bad day.
markjoseph125 about 11 years ago
Extensive discussion of this issue at:http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/house-cats-as-predators/
jzelouise about 11 years ago
Gee those evil cats. Kill birds whose droppings are everywhere and cause diseases http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/61646.php then there are the rodent borne diseases, do your own googling. Of course human destruction of habitat has nothing to do with wildlife loss. (need sarcasm font for last sentence) .
laffalittlemore1 about 11 years ago
Was at a talk about birds and cats and was told that the bells on the cat’s neck doesn’t work to prevent the birds from being killed.Was at Port Aransas, TX and read that there didn’t seem to be as many cats as there used to be and the writer thought that maybe it was because of the coyotes that were being seen more often.