Researchers Investigate Cats' Insect-Eating Habits
Studies explore the role of insects in feline diets.
1Cats' Diets
It's known that free-ranging cats eat birds and small rodents, but their insect consumption is surprisingly high. Biologists are trying to understand what cats eat in the wild.
2Cats as Invasive Species
Domestic cats become invasive species when living freely in the wild. They are found in every ecosystem except Antarctica, and the species they consume are being studied.
3Research Methods
Biologists analyzed 533 studies published over the past century and found that cats eat nearly 2,100 different animal species. Of these, 347 are threatened.
4Insect Consumption
At least 7% of cats' diet consists of insects and other invertebrates. Insects are an important source of protein for cats.
5Threatened Species
Among the insects cats consume are endangered species like the Aldabran grasshopper in Seychelles and the Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish.
6Environmental Impacts
Cats' insect consumption could pose a significant threat, especially to rare species. Molecular technologies are helping to study cats' diets in more detail.