Domestic and feral cats are quietly transforming ecosystems across the planet, according to two new studies published in 2024. Researchers say that the global love for cats, while culturally deep and emotionally fulfilling, comes with ecological consequences that are often underestimated—even by scientists.
A continental-scale study led by researchers at Charles Darwin University and the University of Adelaide in Australia, published in Biological Invasions, found that feral cats are now present in nearly every type of habitat on the continent. From coastal wetlands to dry inland deserts, these adaptable predators have become one of the most pervasive invasive species in modern ecological history.
The researchers tracked thousands of cats across Australia using satellite collars and remote cameras. They discovered that feral cats cover vast ranges—often over 10 square kilometers—and hunt even in areas where native predators have disappeared.
“Feral cats are extremely adaptable,” said Vishnu Menon from Melbourne University, one of the lead authors of the study. “They can survive in habitats ranging from arid scrub to tropical rainforest. Their hunting efficiency and mobility allow them to exploit ecosystems that were once safe for small native animals.”
The study concludes that the ecological impact of cats has been “chronically underestimated,” noting that they have contributed to the extinction of at least 27 Australian mammal species, including several ground-dwelling marsupials.
Urban Cats, Rural Hunters
In a parallel study published in Animal Biotelemetry by the University of Reading, United Kingdom, scientists used GPS collars to track the movements of domestic pet cats in both rural and urban environments. The findings challenge the long-held perception that pet cats are confined to their owners’ backyards.
The research revealed that pet cats in rural areas roamed up to three kilometers from their homes, while their urban counterparts covered smaller but equally ecologically significant territories. Many cats were active at dawn and dusk—the same periods when small birds and mammals are most active.
“Even well-fed cats still hunt,” said Carolyn E. Dunford, senior lecturer at the Queen’s University Belfast. “It’s an instinctive behavior. What’s concerning is that their combined hunting activity can have a measurable effect on local wildlife populations.”
The UK team estimated that if just 20 percent of rural cats are active hunters, they could collectively kill millions of small animals each year within a single region.
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A Growing Global Concern
The studies highlight a mounting ecological dilemma that extends far beyond Australia and the UK. From the United States to Japan, cats—both feral and free-ranging pets—are being recognized as major contributors to biodiversity decline, particularly in island ecosystems and suburban green zones.
According to data from the Global Invasive Species Database (2024), cats are now listed among the top 100 most invasive species in the world. They are directly or indirectly responsible for the extinction of 63 vertebrate species, including birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Conservationists say the issue is especially challenging because cats occupy a unique cultural space. They are beloved companions, internet icons, and emotional support animals—yet ecologically, they function as efficient predators.
“It’s a paradox,” said Tim Doherty, an ecologist from Deakin University not involved in either study. “We love cats, but the science is clear: when allowed to roam freely, they have devastating effects on biodiversity. It’s one of the toughest conservation problems of our time.”
Calls for Responsible Ownership
Experts argue that solutions lie not in demonizing cats but in redefining responsible ownership. Measures such as keeping cats indoors at night, sterilizing feral populations, and creating enclosed outdoor areas—known as catios—are increasingly recommended by animal welfare groups.
Several municipalities in Australia and New Zealand have already introduced “cat curfews”, requiring pet owners to keep their cats indoors during certain hours to protect native wildlife.
“Simple changes in behavior can make a big difference,” said Menon. “People can still enjoy their cats while reducing their environmental footprint. It’s about awareness and balance.”
As the world celebrates National Cat Day on October 29, scientists hope the conversation will expand beyond cute photos and pet adoption drives. For them, the message is clear: loving cats also means understanding—and mitigating—their hidden ecological impact. (Wage Erlangga)
