Whether it's a dead mouse or a headless bird, if you've ever owned a cat, you've probably been on the receiving end of a roadkill-esque 'present' at least once -- the Kitty Cam looks into this feline tendency by going straight to the source.
Predation of local bird and small mammal wildlife from cats is starting to become a serious issue. In addition to increased human development, the American Bird Conservancy says predation from domestic cats is to blame for a decline in population of one out of every three American bird species.
Research from the University of Georgia sheds light on the lives of free-roaming domestic cats. Sixty cats were fitted with special cameras designed by National Geographic to gather thousands of hours of video and photos over the course of a year.
The UGA research team posted the photo and video evidence with the general public. Researchers hope people will better understand their cats after viewing it.
Kitten Predator Captures
Research Team Shares Photos and Video Taken with the Kitty Cam
Trend Themes
1. Kitty Cam Research - Developing and marketing special cameras or surveillance systems designed to better understand cats' behavior and help mitigate the negative impact of pet predation on local wildlife populations.
2. Cat Containment Solutions - Innovating and promoting the use of solutions such as catios, enclosed outdoor spaces, or harness training to prevent outdoor cats from roaming freely and harming local wildlife.
3. Eco-friendly Pet Products - Coming up with more sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical alternatives to existing pet food, toys, and disposable items to help minimize the environmental impact of pet ownership.
Industry Implications
1. Pet Technology - Providing advanced gadgets, devices, and software solutions to help pet owners monitor, train, and interact with their cats or other pets and improve their health, safety, and welfare.
2. Wildlife Conservation - Engaging in research, advocacy, and public education efforts to protect and restore local bird and mammal populations affected by human and animal activities, including pets with predatory instincts.
3. Eco-friendly Consumer Goods - Developing and producing sustainable, ethical, and non-toxic products for pets and their owners, such as biodegradable litter, organic pet food, recycled toys, and reusable accessories.