Whether it's a dead mouse or a headless bird, if you've ever owned a cat, you've probably been on the receiving end of a roadkill-esque 'present' at least once -- the Kitty Cam looks into this feline tendency by going straight to the source.
Predation of local bird and small mammal wildlife from cats is starting to become a serious issue. In addition to increased human development, the American Bird Conservancy says predation from domestic cats is to blame for a decline in population of one out of every three American bird species.
Research from the University of Georgia sheds light on the lives of free-roaming domestic cats. Sixty cats were fitted with special cameras designed by National Geographic to gather thousands of hours of video and photos over the course of a year.
The UGA research team posted the photo and video evidence with the general public. Researchers hope people will better understand their cats after viewing it.
What's Driving This Trend
- Kitty Cam Research
- Developing and marketing special cameras or surveillance systems designed to better understand cats' behavior and help mitigate the negative impact of pet predation on local wildlife populations.
- Cat Containment Solutions
- Innovating and promoting the use of solutions such as catios, enclosed outdoor spaces, or harness training to prevent outdoor cats from roaming freely and harming local wildlife.
- Eco-friendly Pet Products
- Coming up with more sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical alternatives to existing pet food, toys, and disposable items to help minimize the environmental impact of pet ownership.
Who This Affects Most
- Pet Technology
- Providing advanced gadgets, devices, and software solutions to help pet owners monitor, train, and interact with their cats or other pets and improve their health, safety, and welfare.
- Wildlife Conservation
- Engaging in research, advocacy, and public education efforts to protect and restore local bird and mammal populations affected by human and animal activities, including pets with predatory instincts.
- Eco-friendly Consumer Goods
- Developing and producing sustainable, ethical, and non-toxic products for pets and their owners, such as biodegradable litter, organic pet food, recycled toys, and reusable accessories.
