Why Do Rats Avoid Cats?
WouterMany people believe that cats are dangerous animals, but the fact is that they are not. Rats have learned to be wary of cats, and they often avoid them. However, this is not always the case. In New York City, researchers have found that rats’ behavior is influenced by the presence of cats. They have found that rats move eastward during heavy cat sightings.
Cats do not scare rats away with their odour, which could make them feel uncomfortable. This odour would prevent them from going out to look for food and water. In addition, cats may reduce the chances of a rat’s successful reproduction, though this may not be sufficient to reduce the size of the rat population. However, these two facts may explain the perception that cats are a major factor in reducing the number of rats in a neighborhood.
The study analyzed 306 videos taken over 79 days, during which cats and rats were actively involved in each other’s lives. During this period, researchers recorded 20 stalking events and three kill attempts, with two successful kills and one unsuccessful. The results were striking. The presence of cats significantly reduced rat activity.
During the study, rats were not microchipped and had been captured in areas where they could hide. These rats may have been diseased or otherwise weakened. They may have also been poisoned with bromadiolone poison. Although this method is not the most environmentally friendly option, it is a common part of urban ecosystems throughout the world.
