Sammendrag
VKM has evaluated to what extent keeping of cats pose a risk to biodiversity in Norway. Risks
were assessed separately for threats to biodiversity from direct predation, indirect (non-lethal)
effects, competition with other wildlife and spread of infectious organisms. VKM also assessed
the risk of reduced animal welfare related to the keeping of domestic cats, both for the cats and
their prey. In addition, VKM has assessed a range of risk-reducing measures aimed at
minimizing the risk for negative impacts on biodiversity and animal welfare. Overall, VKM find
that the risk of negative impact on vulnerable birds and red-listed mammalian species are high
under certain conditions. VKM also find that there is a considerable risk associated with
increased spread of infectious organisms from cats to wildlife and other domestic species. Some
of these infectious organisms may also infect humans. With respect to mitigation measures,
VKM concludes that measures focused on limiting cats’ access to prey populations are likely to
yield the most positive outcomes in terms of mitigating the adverse impact on biodiversity.
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