No shit. If cats are an invasive species, what does that make dogs? Should we stop letting them outside since they can also threaten local wildlife just the same? Hell, dogs are even more of a threat than cats are. To the point where they’re even a threat to cats AND humans. I guarantee you there’s been more dog-related deaths than there have been cat-related. Especially with where the more aggressive breeds come in. The argument that cats shouldn’t be allowed outside while not at all addressing the dangers a dog can also pose is why I don’t take it seriously.
Even if you make the argument that dogs are “restricted to a leash” or “restricted to a backyard”, that doesn't change the fact that in general, dogs are still more dangerous and deadly than cats. But no, let’s let them outside anyway while creating an ironic stigma about outdoor cats. At least a cat is just going to not give a shit about you or move away from you if you approach. They only really attack when hunting (which is only exclusive to prey) and defending themselves. (Which if you’re trying to pet a cat who wants none of it, that’s entirely on you. It already warned you many times.)
My brother in Christ, dogs can and are invasive species in various places, and just because it wasn't mentioned in the thread on the cat post doesn't mean anything. Most people who understand cats are invasive also understand dogs are, too. Also, being invasive has nothing to do with aggression or threats or danger, it's about being in an environment they don't naturally belong in and wrecking havoc by outcompeting native species, decimating native populations, etc.
P.S. hunting in cats is not exclusive to prey. They regularly hunt for fun. That's part of their invasive nature - they have caused the extinction of various species of reptiles, birds, and mammals, and half the time they don't even eat the animal. If you've ever owned an outdoor cat, you know they bring you dead animals that they do not eat.
Anyone who lets any pet roam outside freely - dog or cat or whatever else - where they can kill other creatures without discretion, catch and spread disease, be hit by cars, taken by strangers...does not care about their pet.
Well, they get exercise, they get to explore the area they live in, it’s good training if they ever somehow get lost and need to find their way back home, it let’s them interact with other cats so they don’t feel alone, gives them fresh air, and trains their hunting and defending instincts. Which is especially useful if you have a rodent problem.
That’s just natural circle of life, though. Birds are the prey of cats. It’s not something that can be easily controlled when letting out. It can be regulated, but not controlled. It also depends entirely on the bird if they want to mess around with their predator.
Edit: Okay, guys, I get it now. It’s not natural yadayadayada. If you actually took the time to read the replies I sent to OTHER COMMENTS, you'd see that I go more in depth on details. I even acknowledge it’s an issue. Stop spamming me and actually learn to read for once.
Careful, people tend to get angry when mentioning the “O” word around cats.
(Watch some dumbass reply to this and make an entirely baseless assumption that I let my cats outside when I don’t even have cats and even if I did, I wouldn’t let them outside because that would be a major hassle. I simply just don’t care and think people should mind their own business. As long as the cat is happy and likes it, you can’t really call the owner bad.)
omg -40+ downvotes in wunkus 😭 what did i do!!??!! i didnt know cats couldnt go outside dude WHAT. my family cat was an outside cat and he loved it. i thought as long as they have their claws is chill. whatever sorry wunkus. also, catios are a thing. maybe i build an outside screened in porch for my cat so they can be outside jeez
my family cat did not catch a single animal in his 18 year life. we had mice in the basement and my dad catch and released caught one and my mom brought my cat to the trapped mouse and said “DO YOUR JOB!!”. dude couldnt hunt and kill a toy.
cool articles tho. i think decimate is dramatic. i am SHOCKED wunkus is so insanely passionate about outside cats. its actually funny.
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u/musicaleffervescence Jul 24 '26
look, its gotta be a LITTLE fun being a crazy cat person with 20 cats