Cat predation research with guest Martina Cecchetti

Animals in Translation is a podcast brought to you by hosts from across the globe who talk with experts about their animal welfare work. The goal? To deconstruct animal issues into palatable pieces for listeners wanting to dig deeper into international animal welfare, ethics, or policy. Tune in monthly for new episodes.

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Summary

In this episode, PhD researcher, Martina Cacchetti, discusses her research paper called “Provision of High Meat Content Food and Object Play Reduce Predation of Wild Animals by Domestic Cats Felis catus” with hosts Sophie, Kerri, and the Cat. Martina’s research on domestic cat ecology and behavior focused on strategies to reduce the predation of wildlife by domestic cats. The conversation covers her methodology, the interventions tested, and the impact of cat owners’ behavior on wildlife conservation. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing cat welfare with wildlife protection, and the effectiveness of high-meat food, object play, and BirdsbeSafe collars in reducing hunting behavior. This interview explores the complex relationship between domestic cats and wildlife, emphasizing the importance of responsible cat ownership, cultural attitudes towards cat confinement, and the nutritional needs of cats. The discussion highlights the ecological impact of free-roaming cats, the challenges of implementing cat enclosures, and innovative solutions for pet food that consider animal welfare and environmental sustainability.