Scientists at the University of Exeter have made a fascinating discovery about domestic cats by examining an unusual body part – their whiskers. This innovative research focused on cats known to be regular hunters of wildlife to determine exactly what proportion of their diet comes from wild prey versus owner-provided food.
The Science Behind Cat Whiskers Analysis
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The research methodology was elegantly simple yet scientifically robust. Researchers collected whisker samples from each participating cat at both the beginning and end of the study period.
These whiskers were then subjected to stable isotope analysis, a technique that identifies the sources of proteins in the cat’s diet based on chemical signatures. This forensic approach allowed scientists to distinguish between proteins derived from commercial pet food versus wild prey.
The technique works because different food sources leave distinct isotopic signatures in the body tissues of the animal consuming them. As whiskers grow, they incorporate these signatures, creating a timeline of dietary information.
Hunting Motivation and Surplus Killing
Dr. Martina Cecchetti from the Environment and Sustainability Institute at Exeter’s Penryn Campus explained the implications: “When food from owners is available, our study shows that cats rely almost entirely on this for nutrition.”
This research addresses a common concern among cat owners who worry that restricting their pet’s hunting might deprive them of essential nutrition. The findings clearly demonstrate that even prolific hunters aren’t actually eating much of what they catch.
The study suggests that cats often engage in what scientists call “surplus killing” – hunting and capturing prey even when not hungry. This behavior likely evolved as a strategy to store food for later consumption, though domestic cats with reliable food sources rarely need to eat their catches.
Testing Hunting Prevention Methods
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Beyond dietary analysis, the researchers also evaluated various methods designed to reduce cats’ predation on wildlife. These included collar bells, colorful Birdsbesafe collar covers, providing meat-rich diets, using puzzle feeders, and engaging cats in regular play sessions.
Among these interventions, the Birdsbesafe collar cover showed promising results. Analysis of whiskers from cats wearing these brightly colored collar attachments indicated they consumed less wild prey, primarily because they caught fewer birds. The bright colors likely provide visual warnings to birds, which have excellent color vision.
This finding builds on previous research by the same Exeter team, which demonstrated that meat-rich diets and daily play sessions with owners also helped reduce hunting behavior in domestic cats.
Conservation Implications
Susan Morgan, Chief Executive of Songbird Survival, which sponsored the study, emphasized the conservation implications: “In the UK, we’ve lost half our songbirds in 50 years, but we can all help to stem this tide.”
The organization recommends three simple steps for cat owners concerned about wildlife: fit cats with Birdsbesafe collar covers, feed premium meat-rich diets, and play with cats for 5-10 minutes daily to satisfy their hunting instincts.
The study provides reassurance to cat owners that hunting behavior isn’t driven by nutritional deficiencies but by deeply ingrained instincts. This understanding opens new possibilities for managing predatory behavior without compromising feline welfare.
All research protocols were developed with input from a project advisory panel that included feline veterinarians, behavioral specialists, and animal welfare organizations such as International Cat Care and the RSPCA, ensuring ethical treatment of the participating cats.
