Research shows that domestic and wild cats are among the most versatile predators on the planet, rather than being fussy gourmets.
According to a global analysis in 2023, their diet includes at least 2084 species of fauna — about 9% of known bird species, 6% of mammals, and 4% of reptiles, as well as numerous insects and amphibians.
Scientists note that cats eat almost any animal they can catch, making them extremely successful invasive predators. Among their prey are even large representatives of fauna, such as emus or kangaroos.
Such predation poses a serious threat to biodiversity. Researchers estimate that up to 347 species included in cats' diets are at risk of extinction, and on islands, these furry predators have already caused the extinction of many endemic birds. In the UK alone, cats kill hundreds of millions of animals each year.
To protect wildlife, control measures are being implemented in some regions, such as Australia, including a round-the-clock curfew for domestic cats.
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