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Ultrasonic cat deterrent
Advances
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Behavior Ultrasonic Cat Deterrent Background Domestic cats have been responsible for several species extinctions, predominantly on islands. There is concern about the risks to wildlife species from cats throughout the world. Deterrents to cat predation are needed. Commercial cat deterrents range from cheap chemical sprays and pellets to more expensive and elaborate equipment, such as ultrasonic devices. Ultrasound deterrents are marketed for a huge range of mammals, including rodents, bats, cats, dogs, deer, and kangaroos. However, there are very few published field experiments on effectiveness of these ultrasonic devices. Objectives To report the results of a field test on the efficacy of a commercially available ultrasonic deterrent on cats in the United Kingdom. Procedure The efficacy of an ultrasonic cat deterrent Catwatch™ was tested, using 63 and 96 volunteer observers in 18 and 33 weeks blind experiments. Results The device had a moderate deterrent effect, reducing the probability of a cat intrusion into a yard by approximately 32% in the first experiment, but not in the second. The average duration of intrusions was reduced by 38% and 22% in the 2 experiments, respectively. Author Conclusion The ultrasonic device tested has a moderate deterrent effect on cats and thus offers a partial solution to reducing cats killing wildlife. Inclusions Four figures, 2 tables, 23 references. Editor Annotation Feline roaming has become a major environmental and legislative issue. Cat lovers and feline practitioners alike should feel it incumbent upon them to participate in the
discussions about public health issues, humane care of cats, and rational redress of conservation concerns. Finally, we are beginning to see papers that own up to these standards, albeit largely not originating from the veterinary medical community. Discussing control of free-ranging cats is like discussing abstinence and sex. There seems to be no one perfect solution. If we can accept that and look at varied solutions to subsets of problems, we can make progress. The Catwatch systems appears to be a partial solution for a limited set of circumstances. The fact that the cat still entered areas covered by the deterrent is less important than the finding that once they entered the area, they were less likely to hang around. This one finding has HUGE public health, conservation, and humane applications. The authors do not directly discuss another critical finding, although the data allude to it. The cats were not afraid of the device and so do not seem to have been behaviorally injured by it. Instead, this device may help with behavior modification, and may make it easier for the clients to consider engaging in changing their cat’s behaviors. Combined with the new line of net fencing for feline containment, we may actually be approaching a time where we, as veterinarians, can legitimately encourage clients to become more responsible while helping them to enhance the welfare of their cats. (KLO) Nelson SH, Evans AD, Bradbury RB. The efficacy of an ultrasonic cat deterrent. App Anim Behav Sci 2006;96:83-91.
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Behavior Ultrasonic Cat Deterrent Background Domestic cats have been responsible for several species extinctions, predominantly on islands. There is concern about the risks to wildlife species from cats throughout the world. Deterrents to cat predation are needed. Commercial cat deterrents range from cheap chemical sprays and pellets to more expensive and elaborate equipment, such as ultrasonic devices. Ultrasound deterrents are marketed for a huge range of mammals, including rodents, bats, cats, dogs, deer, and kangaroos. However, there are very few published field experiments on effectiveness of these ultrasonic devices. Objectives To report the results of a field test on the efficacy of a commercially available ultrasonic deterrent on cats in the United Kingdom. Procedure The efficacy of an ultrasonic cat deterrent Catwatch™ was tested, using 63 and 96 volunteer observers in 18 and 33 weeks blind experiments. Results The device had a moderate deterrent effect, reducing the probability of a cat intrusion into a yard by approximately 32% in the first experiment, but not in the second. The average duration of intrusions was reduced by 38% and 22% in the 2 experiments, respectively. Author Conclusion The ultrasonic device tested has a moderate deterrent effect on cats and thus offers a partial solution to reducing cats killing wildlife. Inclusions Four figures, 2 tables, 23 references. Editor Annotation Feline roaming has become a major environmental and legislative issue. Cat lovers and feline practitioners alike should feel it incumbent upon them to participate in the
discussions about public health issues, humane care of cats, and rational redress of conservation concerns. Finally, we are beginning to see papers that own up to these standards, albeit largely not originating from the veterinary medical community. Discussing control of free-ranging cats is like discussing abstinence and sex. There seems to be no one perfect solution. If we can accept that and look at varied solutions to subsets of problems, we can make progress. The Catwatch systems appears to be a partial solution for a limited set of circumstances. The fact that the cat still entered areas covered by the deterrent is less important than the finding that once they entered the area, they were less likely to hang around. This one finding has HUGE public health, conservation, and humane applications. The authors do not directly discuss another critical finding, although the data allude to it. The cats were not afraid of the device and so do not seem to have been behaviorally injured by it. Instead, this device may help with behavior modification, and may make it easier for the clients to consider engaging in changing their cat’s behaviors. Combined with the new line of net fencing for feline containment, we may actually be approaching a time where we, as veterinarians, can legitimately encourage clients to become more responsible while helping them to enhance the welfare of their cats. (KLO) Nelson SH, Evans AD, Bradbury RB. The efficacy of an ultrasonic cat deterrent. App Anim Behav Sci 2006;96:83-91.