Scientific name: Felis catus Family: Felidae Order: Carnivora Risk level: Moderate Category: Crawling pests
? What is a stray cat
Stray cats are widespread in urban and industrial areas. People often feed them, which makes control socially complicated. They are important carriers of parasites and diseases that affect human health.
Stray cat life cycle
Mammals usually reproduce once or twice a year, with 2–8 young per pregnancy, depending on the species.
Where stray cats occur
They occur in urban and rural environments in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf, Egypt and the MENA region.
Damage and risks associated with stray cats
They transmit Toxoplasma gondii, which is dangerous to pregnant women, as well as mange, chlamydia and Bartonella henselae (cat-scratch disease). They also attract fleas and ticks.
Signs of stray cats
Signs include direct sightings, footprints, characteristic droppings and sounds, and damage to poultry or waste.
Where stray cats are found
They occur around food facilities, waste containers and goods markets. They form stable colonies near food sources.
Stray cat control methods
Work with environmental and wildlife authorities. Manage attractants such as waste and poultry. Use protective fencing and live traps in accordance with regulations.
Stray cat control products
Follow local regulations; most of these species are protected or subject to regulated hunting. They may be killed only with a permit.
Food-facility control requirements
FSSC/BRCGS: stray animals around a facility represent a high risk. Recording sightings and having a reporting protocol are mandatory.
A fact about stray cats
Stray cats are one of the greatest threats to native birds. They are estimated to kill 1.4–3.7 billion birds annually in the United States alone, making them the most significant human-caused threat to birds after habitat destruction.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Are stray cats dangerous?
A: Their risk level is moderate. They transmit Toxoplasma gondii, which is dangerous to pregnant women, as well as mange and chlamydia. Keep away and notify the relevant authorities.
Q: Who is responsible for removing stray animals?
A: Usually municipalities and animal-environment agencies. Do not try to remove them yourself; some species are legally protected.
