Researchers are asking for people’s help with a pioneering study into the numbers and behaviour of farm cats. The research is a key part of a larger study taking place which is examining whether wildcats, also known as woodcats, could return to the southwest. Farmers and smallholders are needed to take part in the survey, which will help inform the viability of reintroducing wildcats in Devon.
It is important to understand how wildcats and farm, street, stray, and feral cats might interact. Very little is known about the presence and activities of farm cats, so the results of the questionnaire will provide crucial new insights.
Wildcats became extinct in England around 200 years ago but Devon – with its woods and hedgerows – could be an ideal place to reintroduce them and this might help to boost the county’s biodiversity.
For this study ‘farm cats’ are defined as cats that live on a farm but are not commonly treated as pet cats. They do not live in the house and may live with or without human care.
The research is led by anthrozoologist Sian Moody, from the University of Exeter, who is working with the South West Wildcat Project.
The results will be used as part of the SWWP’s wider feasibility report, which will be submitted to Natural England later in the year for their review.
Sian said: “It is extremely important to understand how suitable the South West actually is for wildcats, which includes looking at social and ecological aspects, but also gaging the risk of hybridisation between wildcats and cats. This has been a key threat for wildcats in Scotland, but elsewhere in Europe it hasn’t been as much of an issue.
“We need to understand how cats use rural spaces in the southwest, so the aim of this survey is to get a sense of how many farm cats there are in Devon, their movements and whether they are neutered and vaccinated. Because farm cats are not pets or owned there isn’t really any data on them. We hope those with farms and smallholdings will take part in this research.”
The questionnaire asks about how many cats live on the farm, where they came from and about their group structure, behaviour and condition. It also asks about their breeding patterns and any care a human might provide for them.
Anyone who completed the short Devon’s Farm Cat questionnaire will be kept anonymous but can be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon gift voucher.
The questionnaire takes around 10 minutes to complete and closes on August 31st 2024.
The Importance of the Study
The reintroduction of wildcats into Devon is a complex and controversial issue. Advocates for rewilding argue that wildcats could play a vital role in restoring the county’s biodiversity. They point to the fact that wildcats are a natural predator of rodents, which can help to control pest populations. However, others are concerned about the potential impact of wildcats on livestock. Farmers have voiced concerns about the possibility of wildcats attacking their sheep and lambs.
The Potential for Hybridisation
One of the key challenges facing the reintroduction of wildcats is the potential for hybridisation with domestic cats. Wildcats and domestic cats can interbreed, and this can lead to a decline in the genetic purity of wildcat populations. The study of farm cats is crucial for understanding the potential for hybridisation in Devon. Researchers are hoping to gather data on the number of farm cats in the region, their movements, and their breeding patterns. This information will be used to assess the risk of hybridisation between wildcats and domestic cats.
The Importance of Farm Cat Data
The researchers hope that this study will provide important new insights into the lives of farm cats. There is very little data available on farm cats, as they are not typically considered to be pets. However, they play an important role in the rural ecosystem. The study of farm cats will help researchers to understand their behavior, their interactions with other animals, and their impact on the environment.
Next Steps
The results of the study will be used to inform the feasibility of reintroducing wildcats to Devon. If the study finds that the region is suitable for wildcats and that the risk of hybridisation is low, then the South West Wildcat Project may move forward with a reintroduction program. However, the project will also need to address the concerns of farmers and other stakeholders before any reintroduction can take place.
The study of farm cats is a crucial step towards understanding the potential for reintroducing wildcats to Devon. The data collected from this study will help researchers to make informed decisions about the future of wildcats in the region.
