Sylvester never gave up, but Tweety bird always saw him coming. And that's the way it is: cats are hunters; it's part of their natural instinct.
The Kitty Cam Project gives a first-hand view from the ground. Researchers at the University of Georgia mounted video cameras onto the collars of house cats and tracked their outdoor activities for a week to 10 days.
It turns out they're quite busy. They watch, they wait. And then they pounce on prey. It's what felines do, but surprisingly, the researchers say cats are actually killing more urban wildlife than previously thought—especially lizards, snakes, frogs, and lower on the list birds.
"We should be considering that those animals deserve our protection as much as our cats do," said researcher Dr. Sonia Hernandez.
The researchers say the problem is even worse in Florida, where cats and critters are outdoors year round. And feral cat populations add to it. An estimated 210,000 roam Hillsborough County.
The study concludes that owners who let their house cats outside should keep a close watch.
"You can offer cats supervised time outdoors and you can deter the behavior," said Hernandez.
The Animal Coalition of Tampa says it's unrealistic to deter the behavior of cat owners.
Hillsborough County's animal ordinance prohibits owners from letting their felines run free. However, of the 351,000 owned cats in the county, 60 percent go out.
At Creature Castle in Brandon, the resident cat Ms. Kitty is forever tempted. She's surrounded by reptiles and small birds.
"She likes to be right under the cage looking up. She doesn't go after them, but she does look like she wants to," said employee Jeanelle Ward.
Good thing they're safely caged.
The study found cats only bring home less than 25 percent of what they actually kill.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:42:27 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
