LAUSR

Free-roaming domestic cats are a major anthropogenic source of morbidity and mortality to wild birds and mammals in the United States. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators routinely treat cat-caused injuries. However, extent of these activities is under-reported in the scientific literature. To determine incidence, age class, mortality, diversity and frequency of species affected, nature of injuries, time in care, and temporal and geospatial trends associated with interactions between free-roaming cats and wildlife, we conducted a retrospective analysis on 20,921 records from small birds and mammals presented to the Wildlife Center of Virginia (WCV), USA between 2000 and 2010. Cat interaction was the second greatest cause of small-mammal admissions (14.8%), fourth greatest cause of mammal mortality (70.8%), fourth greatest cause of bird admissions (13.7%), and second greatest cause of avian mortality (80.8%). Eighty-three species were admitted following interactions with cats. Age of wildlife admitted following cat interaction varied by class; juvenile mammals were captured most frequently (40.5%), followed by neonates (34%), then adults (25.5%). However, adults were documented most frequently in birds (42.7%), followed by juveniles (37.2%), then nestlings (20.1%). Birds were more likely to have interactions with cats in rural areas, whereas degree of urbanization did not differ for mammals. Eighty-eight percent of cat interactions occurred between April and September, indicating a strong seasonal trend. Our findings indicate that free-roaming cats substantially contribute to admissions in a wildlife rehabilitation hospital and even with veterinary intervention, release potential is limited. Reducing the number of free-roaming cats will reduce interactions with wildlife and decrease the need for medical assistance. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.