Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A016
Published online: 22 April 2026
Felis catus – global predator in the natural environment
Hubert Jaworski* and Marian Flis
Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka St., 20-950, Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: hubert.jaworski@up.edu.pl
Domestic cats (Felis catus) and domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are the most widely kept companion species worldwide. Cats are found on all continents except Antarctica. Throughout history, humans have created many breeds of domestic cats, differing in coatcolour, coat length, body weight and type. Domestic cats kept by humans provide their owners with a lot of satisfaction; daily contact with these animals helps to reduce stress, counteract depression and, in the youngest, develop a sense of responsibility towards animals.
However, it should be remembered that domestic cats living in the wild cause enormous damage to native ecosystems. The problem of cats in the wild is a multifaceted issue. Such individuals can be divided into outdoor cats, i.e., those let out by their owners, and those that are homeless. Outdoor cats are usually partially cared for by their owners – they are fed and receive veterinary care. Stray cats only occasionally receive accidental or intentional help from humans. They penetrate cities and rural areas in search of food and shelter, especially during severe weather. Nevertheless, both groups of cats living in the environment have a number of serious consequences. They have a negative impact on the populations of individual animal species due to their strong hunting instinct and excellent predatory skills. Domestic cats kill millions of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians by plundering birds’ nests, as well as maiming and killing young and adult animals. Their ability to adapt to various environmental conditions and their high reproductive success are also significant factors to their impact on native wildlife and ecosystems.
The aim of the study was to raise awareness of the problem of domestic cats in the natural environment and their impact on ecosystems. The causes and effects of the presence of cats in the environment were presented. The distribution of cats in the natural environment was studied using the transect method and thermal imaging devices. Observations were carried out four times a year in selected areas (in spring, summer, autumn and winter). Each time, the area was surveyed after dark in the late evening, in rainless weather, i.e. during the period of greatest activity of these predators. The research was conducted near the borders of the city of Lublin and in the municipality of Turobin, located away from a larger urban metropolis and characterised by a typical agricultural landscape. The results presented refer to the average density of domestic cats per 1,000 ha. The data clearly indicate that more individuals were recorded in the area closer to the city than in the area further away from the agglomeration. No significant differences were found when analysing the results by season. Despite growing public awareness of this issue, the presence and impact of domestic cats on the natural environment remain insufficiently studied. The research conducted provides knowledge about the density of these predators in the areas compared, in the context of diverse areas and seasons. The higher density of cats in areas closer to cities may be an area for potential research to help identify the reasons for the variation and the impact on local ecosystems. In this context, it is also necessary to promote responsible pet care and raise awareness about the acquisition, registration, sterilisation and proper treatment of companion animals.
Keywords: domestic cat; natural environment; predation
How to cite
Jaworski H., Flis M., 2026. Felis catus – global predator in the natural environment. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A016