Confluence and Implications of Cats, Coyotes, and Other Mesopredators at a Feral Cat Feeding Station

What is it about?

In this paper, we analyzed photographs from a motion-activated camera at a feeding station for feral cats. We found that not only cats, but also coyotes (Canis latrans), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and skunks (Mephitis mephitis) regularly used the feeding station. We compared the effects of three different feeding regimens. Abundant food on the ground was associated with most sightings by all four animals. Abundant food on tables was associated with only cat and raccoon sightings. Limited food on the ground was associated with the least sightings of cats and other animals. We conclude that feral cat feeding stations may expose cats to increased predation risks, but the positioning and quantity of food seems to have an effect - less food and elevated food is better. From a wildlife perspective, best feral cat management protocols include no feeding with indoor adoption of cats.

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