SCCF steps in to help with growing feral cat population
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that a population of stray cats has been forming on Sanibel, and it is contributing to efforts to keep the animals off the streets, where they pose a threat to native wildlife.
Many residents reported lost cats following Hurricane Ian in 2022 and — despite the best efforts of SCCF staff and partners to rescue lost pets and reunite them with their owners — some cats were not located.
“Ian-related strandings could one cause behind the recent uptick in feral cats on the island,” shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht said. “SCCF has been working with a team of dedicated volunteers to humanely trap these cats and find them foster homes until permanent homes can be found.”
The SCCF reported that outdoor cats can spell big trouble for native wildlife, especially birds. The American Bird Conservancy lists predation by outdoor cats as the number one human-caused threat to birds, with cats killing approximately 2.4 billion birds each year in the United States alone. They can also prey on mammals, reptiles, amphibians and even sea turtle eggs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates that a single free-ranging cat kills about 100 animals per year.
“Even a well-fed cat will hunt and kill if left outdoor — it is instinctive predatory behavior. This is why trap-neuter-release programs are not always effective,” she said. “They may prevent overpopulation but they do not safeguard native wildlife.”
Feral cats can also spread disease across species, including to humans and other mammals.
The SCCF noted that Sanibel has had feral cat issues in the past, but not since the early 2000s, which was prior to the arrival of coyotes on the island. Nonprofits such as PAWS have helped locate and trap any stray cats for many years, but they are not currently operating on the islands.
If you have observed cats on Sanibel or Captiva that appear to be stray or feral, contact the SCCF at shorebirds@sccf.org.