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Feral Cat - Felis catus | |
Florida's Nonnative Wildlife. Species detail.First year: Unknown Extirpated year: Established status: Populations are confirmed breeding and apparently self-sustaining for 10 or more consecutive years. Estimated Florida range: 67 counties At least 10 years Statewide trend: Unknown status Threats to natives: Feral cats prey on native birds, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Cats, including unrestrained pets, can be very efficient predators on native species. Cats are important predators of beach mouse populations throughout most of their range in Florida. Feral or free-ranging cats have introduced feline panleucopenia virus into populations of bobcats and Florida panthers. They can also transmit rabies. Species Account: Feral populations probably began soon after colonization of Florida. No accurate estimate of the number of feral cats, but they may outnumber individuals kept as pets. Habitats: Central or core urban area, Low density suburban development, areas peripheral to core urban areas, and small towns References Layne, J. 1997. Nonindigenous Mammals. Pages 157-186 in Strangers in Paradise: impact and management of nonindigenous species in Florida (Simberloff,D., D. Schmitz, and T. Brown, eds.). Island Press, Washington, D. C. Pimental, D., L. Lach, R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison. 1999. Environmental and economic costs associated with non-indigenous species in the United States. Cornell University. http://www.news.cornell.edu/releases/Jan99/species_costs.html Links to more information |
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Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
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