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10/23/2018 10.6.1. <br />Background <br />• The domestic cat is an exotic, invasive species to North <br />America, and is now more abundant than any native <br />carnivore. <br />• The ±140 million domestic cats in the U.S. annually kill <br />1.3-4.0 billion birds and 6.3-22.3 billion small mammals. <br />• There is broad scientific consensus that cats are the top <br />source of direct human -caused mortality for birds and <br />small mammals in the U.S., and thus disrupt native <br />ecosystems. <br />Background <br />• Cats are instinctive hunters. They hunt to kill whether <br />fed or not. <br />• Outdoor domestic cats and feral and stray cats prey <br />upon native birds, small mammals, reptiles, and <br />amphibians. <br />• These cats are also vectors of diseases affecting <br />humans, pets, and wildlife. <br />• Outdoor domestic cats lead short, brutal lives, exposed <br />to many risks. <br />141- 3 <br />