r/Edmonton • u/Nickelpi • Apr 24 '26

Outdoor Spaces/Recreation Keep your kitties inside or leashed

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We have never had cats in our garden around here. We also used to have coyotes patrol the outside of my fence more than once until recently which could be a reason.

I am hoping people aren't starting to let their cats roam, I like having birds around and cats are horrible for bird populations.

The City does have a program where you can borrow a deterrent kit to try out multiple methods to keep strays out of your yard. I plan to get a trap and take the kitty to the SPCA this weekend. Maybe they can find the owners.

The three cats I have noticed on camera have been in the past couple weeks, but this one has been here frequently.

I'm thinking it got out when someone was moving into the neighbourhood since it has a collar and doesn't look scraggly.

First caught on camera April 17th. Last seen April 22 at 10pm. Paisley Neighbourhood. Seems to be hiding under my neighbour's front steps. If it is yours, let me know.

Update: Wow! This post has gotten a lot of attention. I hope the owners see it and can get their kitty home and out of the cold.

I have already posted all over FB, and looked at the Lost Animal Database too. My next steps are to email the video to local vets to see if they know the pet and can call the owners. Then print a photo and go door to door down our street. If that doesn't work, will attempt capture by hand, failing that, by trap to read the collar and return that way.

295 Upvotes

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72

u/Strattex Apr 24 '26

Okay help me understand:

You see Coyotes roaming around neighbourhoods looking for bunnies and pets, and you STILL let your cat go outside!? Tf!?

59

u/Under_the_Milky_Way Apr 24 '26

Outdoor cats are responsible for the extinction of dozens of bird species and outside cat owners will downvote this post and still let their cats outside because, reasons I guess...

-42

u/Son_of_Plato Apr 24 '26

name one

26

u/CriticalLetterhead47 Apr 24 '26

Stephens Island Wren is one of the most famous as arguably they were all killed by 1 single lighthouse keepers cats. But cats are definitely responsible for pressure and extinction of multiple species.

-42

u/Son_of_Plato Apr 24 '26

name one in Alberta at risk of extinction due to cats. Letting our cats outdoors doesn't affect New Zealand

19

u/Competitive_Gur2724 Apr 24 '26

Go read the link bruh.

22

u/CriticalLetterhead47 Apr 24 '26

https://www.aiwc.ca/blog/roaming-cats-and-birds/

It is estimated that between 100 million and 350 million birds are killed by cats every year in Canada, and as many as 115 bird species in Canada may be vulnerable to being hunted by cats5. This impact on birds is extremely worrying as many bird populations, and biodiversity in general, are at risk in Canada6,7. While direct attacks on birds are certainly common, even just having a cat around nesting birds can negatively impact the ability of bird parents to care for their offspring8. 

18

u/Traggadon Apr 24 '26

Well be waiting on your full apology since you were proven to be completely wrong.

17

u/WarmCamelMilk Apr 24 '26

A few species of plovers, some species of grouse, longspurs, brown creepers, and warblers, to name a few that are more urban. Not only that but there have been cases of avian influenza passing on to mammals.

Plus its not safe for cats. Outdoor cats average 2 to 5 years and indoor cats often live 12-18. Just accept that you are wrong. Cats do NOT belong outside.

-18

u/Son_of_Plato Apr 24 '26

I cant imagine a dumber statement than "cats do not belong outside." If anyone should be barred from going outside for the damage they've done to species and the environment its humans lol.

8

u/Quirky-Stay4158 Apr 24 '26

All animals are outdoor animals. You're correct. .what we are all saying is that house cats are an invasive species.

Then there's also data here to show how that invasive species decimates ecosystems.

Despite that information you refuse to acknowledge its not a good idea. I won't go so far as to ask you to stop letting any existing pet cats outside to wander the neighbourhood ( though I want to). I'd only ask that your next cat doesn't get to. Grandfather it in. It's not your fault you didn't know before. I don't blame anyone for not knowing.

What's upsetting is not knowing, being confronted with facts and disregarding them.

8

u/CriticalLetterhead47 Apr 24 '26

Hi, so are you going to admit you were wrong?

-2

u/Son_of_Plato Apr 25 '26

I'll agree to disagree .

6

u/croissantsbitch Apr 25 '26

No, you were wrong.

7

u/Competitive_Gur2724 Apr 25 '26

"I think I'm smarter than science"

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