20th February 2025 • The HERALD • Page 47 v SEND ALL YOUR NEWS TO THE HERALD v ANIMAL MAGIC Furry Friend and Natural Born Hunter – Exploring the Impact of Pet Cats on Wildlife Advice from Healthy Pet Store in Totton Our much-loved feline companions, with their soft fur and soothing purrs, have a special place in our hearts. However, there’s a hidden challenge of pet care: the signi cant impact of cats on wildlife populations. Let’s explore how we can address this issue without compromising the wellbeing of our purr-fect pets. Cats are natural-born hunters - even the most pampered indoor cat retains a strong predatory instinct. A UK study found that nine million cats brought home 57 million mammals and 27 million birds in just ve months. is staggering gure may underestimate the full toll. Cats’ impact isn’t limited to urban or suburban settings. Around the world, they’ve le their mark: Kerguelen Islands: Despite harsh conditions in this remote southern Indian Ocean location, cats have thrived since 1876. A recent study revealed they accounted for 25% of albatross chick mortality Island Ecosystems: Cats have been linked to the extinction of species like New Zealand’s Stephens Island wren, and they have contributed to the decline of Hawaiian forest birds Australia: Cats pose a severe threat to native marsupials, such as the brush-tailed bettong Thankfully, there are e ective ways to reduce the impact of pet cats on wildlife while ensuring their happiness and health: 1. Keep cats indoors to protect local wildlife and protect your pet by reducing risks like tra c accidents and diseases. • Create a “catio” or enclosed outdoor space for your cat to safely enjoy the fresh air. Search ‘catio builders’ to nd inspiration • Try harness and lead training for supervised outdoor adventures. Cat behaviourists offer tips for desensitisation to this sensation 2. Diet and Play: Addressing your cat’s physical and mental needs may decrease their hunting behaviour. • A high-protein diet consisting primarily of fresh meat has been shown to reduce prey brought home by about a third • Engage your cat in 5-10 minutes of interactive play daily. is not only strengthens your bond but also satis es their predatory instincts 3. Helpful Accessories: While not foolproof, some accessories can deter predation. • Brightly coloured “Birdsbesafe” collars have demonstrated e ectiveness in reducing bird predation 4. Holistic Cat Care: A well cared-for cat is less likely to harm wildlife. • Ensure your cat is neutered to prevent unwanted litters and reduce feral populations • Comply with local regulations, such as microchipping, which became compulsory in the UK in June 2024. Addressing the impact of pet cats on wildlife requires a combination of awareness, education, and practical measures. Some regions, such as Australia and New Zealand, have implemented aggressive control measures, but for individual pet caregivers, the focus is on responsible care and informed choices. Deborah Burrows, Managing Director of Healthy Pet Store in Totton, says: “Our cats bring us endless joy, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they live happy, healthy lives without unintentionally harming local wildlife. Simple adjustments like building a catio or increasing playtime can make a big difference. Catios also keep cats safe from road traffic accidents. We might not have considered it and may even be surprised at the idea, but offering a raw meal such as a day-old chick may make a difference as it provides a species-appropriate meal. By adopting these practices, we’ll not only help protect local wildlife, but also improve a cat’s overall well-being.” For more advice or to explore Healthy Pet Store’s full range of pet care products, visit their Totton store; shop online: healthypetstore.co.uk/ or call 023 8086 8598. Cat outdoors Cardiac Charity Named Beneficiary of 37th Annual Fundraiser Cardiac charity Heartbeat has been named as one of the bene ciaries of the 37th annual George Skeates Cross Country fundraising event which took place in Stockbridge on 12th January. e event, which has raised over £100,000 for good causes since it began in 1986, was started by Mike Crossman, whose friend George Skeates – a keen international sidecar racing competitor – was badly injured in an accident and paralysed from the waist down. “My whole family was into off-road motorcycling,” said Jeb Crossman, who now manages the event. “George was a dear friend of my father’s and his accident was totally life changing. He was in his early thirties with a young family and my father wanted to do something to help them, so he decided to organise a charity fun run in George’s name.” e day was a huge success and two years later George and Mike decided to organise another event – this time to raise funds for the INSPIRE charity, which helps people with spinal injuries. In the mid-1980s, Mike Crossman had a heart attack and very sadly he died in 1995. “Dad was treated at Southampton General Hospital, and we were so grateful to them for everything they did for him” said Jeb. “We’re splitting the proceeds of our annual event between Heartbeat, INSPIRE and Horatio’s Garden, which provides wellbeing gardens for patients in NHS spinal injury centres.” Jeb is looking to increase the number of participants for next year. “We usually get about 150 people taking part,” he said. “For 2026 we’d love to get that George Skeates Jeb Crossman number up to about 250 and we’re encouraging anyone who’s interested to sign up. It’s great fun and a there’s a fantastic atmosphere on the day.” Tanya Harder, Community Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Heartbeat, said: “We’re so grateful for the support we received from this event. It really is a treat for the whole community in and around Stockbridge – a super day and a lot of fun for everyone involved.” Anyone interested in donating or taking part in the 2026 event can contact Jeb by email: jebcrossman@ googlemail.com Hythe Huddle Dementia Group Hythe Huddle, the drop in support group for people living with dementia and their carers, organised by Families Matter, meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm at Cornerstone URC, Hythe SO45 6BR. Activities are planned throughout the year including arts and cra s, entertainment and games. Hythe Huddle sessions also provide advice, community and support. eir next meeting is on Wednesday 5th March. Refreshments are available, kindly donated by Tesco. For more information call: 023 8020 7623 or email: o ce. fm.hurc@gmail.com LIONS BOOKSTALL Romsey Lions hold their regular book stalls in e Cornmarket, Romsey. eir next book sales will be on Saturday 8th March and Saturday 12th April from 9am to 3pm. ey welcome donations of good quality paperbacks for the stall and also gi s for their bric-a-brac section. Donations can be taken along to the stall on the day of the sales or alternatively you can call 0344 963 2463 to arrange for a collection to be made. Lions are both men and women, and there are no age restrictions to membership other than you must be over 18. ey are approachable people from many walks of life, and they enjoy an active social life. A few hours a month are all it takes to help others less fortunate in the community. If you would like to learn more about being a Lion and make new friends then get in touch with them on: secretary@ romseylions.co.uk or contact them on their direct club telephone number: 0344 963 2463. e Lions have a motto ‘Ordinary People Doing Amazing ings’. And they do year a er year. Forest Militaria e next New Forest Militaria Fair will be on Wednesday 5th March from 7pm to 9.30pm in the Colbury Church Rooms, Deerleap Lane, Colbury (near Ashurst) SO40 7EH. ere are stalls o ering a variety of militaria items, and these events are an ideal venue for dealers, collectors and enthusiasts to get together to buy, sell, swap, exhibit and talk about all aspects of militaria. All are welcome and admission is £1. Anyone who would like to pre-book a table at £8, should call Dave Curtis on: 07903 600865 or: 023 8178 1324.
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