Cat controversies and biodiversity impacts
Passions rise around the domestic cat and its role in ecosystems. A recent dispute in Poland centers on whether the species should be labeled an invasive threat to biodiversity. An environmental science organization classified the cat as an exotic invasive species due to its documented negative effects on native flora and fauna, prompting advocates to call for its removal from the list without delay.
That decision followed a formal listing by the Nature Conservation Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, which categorized the domestic cat as an invasive species in the national biodiversity database. The institute explained that robust scientific evidence shows the cat’s adverse impact on natural ecosystems, aligning this view with European Union efforts on invasive aliens. This stance echoes a Spanish research group that recently argued for tightening environmental laws with the goal of reducing or eliminating feral cat populations and their colonies.
Across Spain and Poland, researchers point to a growing body of studies on the domestic cat’s influence on birds, mammals, and reptiles worldwide. They identify the cat as a highly problematic predator in many environments, contributing to the decline of multiple species and raising concerns about biodiversity health in both countries and beyond.
Disease vectors and ecological consequences
Predation by cats is a major cause of mortality among small mammals and birds. It is essential to review current scientific findings before taking action against wildlife or pursuing harmful practices against animals. This perspective stresses the need for informed decisions grounded in the latest research, rather than reactionary measures.
Images show a cat with prey as a reminder of the daily reality in many regions. Well-cared-for stray cat populations can still hunt wild prey, and in areas with high cat density, the overall impact on prey species can be greater than that of household pets. Cats can also serve as vectors and reservoirs for diseases that threaten wildlife and public health.
Recent studies published in a prominent ecological journal indicate that feral cats have contributed to the extinction risk of several animal species and affect a notable share of species listed as critically endangered by a major conservation organization. Projections for the United States estimate billions of birds and mammals fall prey to cats each year, while Poland records a substantial yearly toll on bird populations. In island ecosystems, the movement of cats has played a role in the extinction of a portion of vertebrate species, with the Galapagos, Hawaii, and various Caribbean and Atlantic islands among the most affected regions. The biodiversity of archipelagos in the Canary Islands and the Balearics has shown notable changes linked to feline activity, including impacts on endangered reptile populations.
Managing cat populations
In the Canary Islands, cats prey on several bird species that are already at risk, highlighting the need for regional strategies to protect endangered wildlife. The debate at the European level questions why cats are not included on the official EU list of invasive aliens. The answer offered by researchers is that the cats do not meet all criteria yet the persistence of domestication and coexistence in natural settings makes it unlikely that any single policy would completely mitigate the impact of domestic cats on native fauna. Polish scientists emphasize this nuanced position and urge practical measures to limit harm to biodiversity.
While some experts advocate capturing, neutering, and returning stray cats, others push for more decisive actions to reduce or eliminate feral cat populations. The discussion involves balancing public sentiment about a long-standing companion animal with the duty to safeguard native ecosystems. The Nature Conservation Institute notes that declaring the cat exotic in Europe and Poland has scientific grounding, but any policy must consider practical implications for both animal welfare and biodiversity protection.
Researchers stress that the status of the cat in Europe reflects historical domestication extending back thousands of years and highlights the need for policies that reflect modern ecological realities. A reference report, available through the Polish Institute, provides detailed frequently asked questions on the subject and the rationale behind the current classification and proposed management approaches.
In summary, the debate over the domestic cat’s place in Europe and North America centers on conserving biodiversity while respecting animal welfare. It calls for careful, evidence-based actions that address population control, habitat protection, and disease management, rather than quick, one-size-fits-all solutions. The discourse continues as scientists, policymakers, and wildlife guardians weigh the best path forward for native ecosystems.
Notes on sources and further inquiries are available through institutional reports authored by the national biodiversity authorities and European research collaborations. Attribution is given to the institutions and researchers who contributed to these findings and policy discussions.