The Guardian's Science Weekly   /     Should we ban cats?

Description

The Scottish first minister, John Swinney, was recently forced to deny plans to ban cats after a report from independent experts said the species was a threat to Scotland’s wildlife. In the UK, it is estimated that cats kill or bring home 57 million mammals and 27 million birds every year. Ian Sample hears from cat-owner Madeleine Finlay and the ecologist Prof Robbie McDonald about the best ways to reduce our feline companions’ impact on wildlife without affecting welfare. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Summary

The Scottish first minister, John Swinney, was recently forced to deny plans to ban cats after a report from independent experts said the species was a threat to Scotland’s wildlife. In the UK, it is estimated that cats kill or bring home 57 million mammals and 27 million birds every year. Ian Sample hears from cat-owner Madeleine Finlay and the ecologist Prof Robbie McDonald about the best ways to reduce our feline companions’ impact on wildlife without affecting welfare. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sciencepod">theguardian.com/sciencepod</a>

Subtitle
Owner Madeleine Finlay and ecologist Prof Robbie McDonald offer best ways to reduce pet’s impact on wildlife after Scottish first minister is forced to deny plans to ban cats
Duration
00:16:22
Publishing date
2025-02-18 05:00
Contributors
  The Guardian
author  
Enclosures
https://flex.acast.com/audio.guim.co.uk/2025/02/17-63953-gdn.sci.250218.mf.catban.mp3
audio/mpeg