Additionally, feral cats in managed colonies are vaccinated against the rabies virus, which makes them a very effective rabies barrier between wildlife carrying the virus, companion animals, and citizens. The report substantiated that nonlethal control stabilizes, and then reduces, feral cat numbers over time, thereby reducing breeding-related behaviors that cause citizen complaints as well as diminishing the spread of common feline viral illnesses. In addition, the report clears up a common myth. Cat predation Cats are being erroneously blamed for declining bird populations. However, it has been proven that the number one cause of bird decline is habitat loss.
Feral cats pose very little threat to bird populations.
Cats are opportunistic feeders, eating what is most easily available. Feral cats are scavengers, and many rely on garbage and handouts from people. Biologist Peter Neville, author of Claws and Purrs, found that scavenging from trash has enabled feral cats to almost give up hunting altogether. As mentioned above, cats are rodent specialists. Birds make up only a small percentage of their diet, even when they are relying solely on hunting for food.