What comes to mind when you think about the problems confronting wildlife? How about oil spills, or poisons in the environment, or the possibility of being shot or hit by cars? All of these factors certainly impact wild animals, but there is another danger that accounts for numerous wildlife injuries and deaths every single day.

Domestic cats represent a major threat to wildlife in urban, suburban, and even rural areas. Many cat owners are unaware of the dangers their feline companions pose to other animals. There are many myths surrounding cats and wildlife. The following questions and answers address those misunderstandings and are intended to provide helpful information to people who care about wildlife.

Yes. In one study, wildlife rehabilitators in Washington State reported that 17% of the animals in their care were injured by cats (compared to 2% hit by cars or 1% poisoned), and that accounts for only those cat-attacked animals taken to rehabilitation centers.

No. Hunting is an instinctive behavior that cannot be modified through training. Even cats that have been declawed are still able to hunt and kill wildlife. But you can prevent attacks by keeping your cats indoors or safely confined in an outdoor enclosure.

No. Cats are not a natural part of the ecosystem, but are predators introduced and maintained by humans. Populations of other predators are kept in balance by a variety of factors, but the number of cats continues to grow. A 1985 study by the Department of Wildlife found that there are at least twenty outdoor cats per block in a typical urban neighborhood, and this represents disproportionate predatory pressure on wildlife.

No. The cats which do the most damage to wildlife are usually well-fed pets who do not need to hunt to survive. Although they have retained many of their hunting instincts, they are non-selective predators. They capture not only "pest" species such as rats and mice but many species of wildlife including migratory birds which are federally protected.

Yes. Indoor cats lead long and healthy lives, more than tripling the expected life span of their outdoor counterparts. They avoid the dangers of traffic, diseases, parasites, poisoning, and other animals. Pet owners also benefit from knowing their cats are safe.

Even outdoor cats can make the change to indoor living. To ease the transition, you might consider building your cat a secure enclosure in the yard, or even walking the cat on a harness and leash. Contact PAWS Shelter at 425/787-2500, ext. 802 for more information about keeping cats safe and happy inside.

Yes. First, talk with your neighbors and share your concerns. Many people are unaware of the pressures that their pets put on wildlife populations and of the benefits to cats of indoor life. Suggest they keep their cats indoors, especially during the spring and summer when wild animals are raising young.

If your neighbors are unwilling to keep their cats in, ask them to put bells on the animals' collars. This will make it harder for cats to sneak up unnoticed on wild-life. However, bells are not always effective, and they do not help if the wild animals are not old enough to escape. Also, do not feed birds if there are marauding cats in the area or you may be luring the birds to their deaths.

You might want to take measures on your own to discourage offending cats. Scent repellents (available at garden and pet supply stores) will keep animals out of marked garden areas. You can discourage cats from entering your yard by spraying them with water from a bottle, hose, or squirt gun. A gentle blast of water will deter, but not injure, cats. If you are persistent, they will get the message that they are not wanted on the premises.

The answer depends on where you live. Legal restrictions on cats vary by jurisdiction. As human and feline populations expand, legislators are writing new and enforcing old laws that govern cats.

If you have talked with your neighbors about their cats, and if the aversion tactics outlined above have failed, ask your local animal control agency for help. Authorities may suggest using a humane trap to catch free-roaming felines on your property. If the cats have proper identification on their collars, they can be returned unharmed to their owners by you, an animal control agent, or the local animal shelter.

Any wild animal that has been caught by a cat needs immediate medical care. Because birds have high metabolisms, they are particularly susceptible to bacteria from cat bites and scratches. Infections set in quickly and need to be treated by antibiotics right away. Never attempt to care for injured animals yourself. Keep the phone number for a local, licensed wildlife rehabilitator close to your phone, and call for assistance without delay.

If you live in King or Snohomish County, contact the PAWS Wildlife Center

For more information, call PAWS Wildlife Center at 425/787-2500, ext. 888.