cover of episode Should we ban cats?

Should we ban cats?

2025/2/18
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Madeleine Finlay
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Robbie MacDonald
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Madeleine Finlay: 作为一名爱猫人士和环境记者,我深知平衡对猫的喜爱与保护生物多样性之间的重要性。猫在全球范围内捕食多种生物,对当地物种造成威胁,尤其是在鸟类数量已经面临巨大压力的今天。虽然完全禁止养猫可能过于极端,但我们必须认真对待猫对环境的影响,并采取措施来减少它们对野生动物的伤害。我个人选择将我的猫主要养在室内,尽管这是一个艰难的决定,因为这既能保护野生动物,也能保护猫本身。我相信通过提高公众意识、推广负责任的养宠行为,我们可以找到一个对猫、对野生动物都更加友好的解决方案。 Robbie MacDonald: 作为一名生态学家,我长期研究猫对野生动物的影响。我的研究表明,猫的捕猎行为受到多种因素的影响,包括营养需求、行为反应和猎物可获得性。虽然猫主人可能无法完全观察到猫的捕猎行为,但我们有责任采取措施来减少它们对野生动物的伤害。例如,改变猫的饮食、与它们进行互动游戏,以及使用特定的项圈,都可以有效地减少猫的捕猎行为。我认为,解决猫对野生动物的影响,关键在于与猫主人合作,促进社会逐步改变,并提高人们对负责任养宠的认识。我们需要在更广泛的人类对自然影响的背景下讨论这个问题,并找到一个对猫、对野生动物都更加可持续的解决方案。

Deep Dive

Chapters
A report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission highlighted the significant impact of cats on wildlife, leading to public concern and a clarification from the Scottish government that a cat ban is not under consideration. This sparked a debate on how to balance cat welfare with wildlife protection.
  • Scottish government denies plans to ban cats.
  • Report highlights cats' significant impact on wildlife.
  • Debate on balancing cat welfare and wildlife protection.

Shownotes Transcript

The Scottish first minister, John Swinney, was recently forced to deny plans to ban cats after a report from independent experts said the species was a threat to Scotland’s wildlife. In the UK, it is estimated that cats kill or bring home 57 million mammals and 27 million birds every year. Ian Sample hears from cat-owner Madeleine Finlay and the ecologist Prof Robbie McDonald about the best ways to reduce our feline companions’ impact on wildlife without affecting welfare. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod)