That soft bundle of fur, purring soothingly on your lap couldn’t hurt a fly, could it? Well, yes probably! All cats have a hunting instinct. They are intelligent, athletic, and very efficient predators. 

Birds might be the first thing you think about when considering potential prey. Indeed, nestlings and young fledglings are easily caught as they haven’t developed their flight feathers or learnt how to escape danger.  

Other creatures at risk include small mammals. Although many people may welcome some ‘natural control’ of uninvited house guests such as mice and rats, cats can have more ‘exotic’ tastes. With exceptional paw-eye coordination, cats are agile enough to grab bats as they emerge from daytime roosts, sitting on the roof and snatching them as they fly out. 

Depending on what is in your cat's territory, froglets, newts and lizards may also be on the menu.  

OK, so cats are one thing, but surely ‘man’s best friend’ can’t be a threat to wildlife? Dogs have great conservation credentials and can even be trained to survey for great crested newts! Our pampered pouches, however, can have some surprising impacts on local wildlife.  

You might not think birds are at risk from dogs, but some overwintering birds spend a lot of time feeding on the ground (e.g. lapwing, redwing and starlings) or in shallow water (e.g. waders such as sanderling, oystercatchers and turnstones). During the breeding season some birds prefer to nest on, or low to, the ground (e.g. nightjar, skylark and Dartford warbler). Dogs off the lead can scare and disturb them, reducing the time spent feeding and causing nests to be abandoned, exposing vulnerable eggs and chicks. 

Fleas, ticks and parasites are annoying for dogs and us, but the chemicals used in spot treatments for these, and other parasites, can cause harm to creatures living in our streams, rivers and ponds. Tiny amounts of these chemicals are incredibly toxic to aquatic life. More research is needed into the impacts of flea treatments, but the British Veterinary Association advice is to avoid ‘blanket’ application. It has been suggested that tablets are less likely to cause harm, but, again, more research is needed. There is some useful information on the BVA website as well as tips 'to help keep pets, people and the planet safe.'

Finally, and probably one with the most obvious impacts – dog poo! Please pick up after your dog, it’s not only a health risk to humans, pets and wildlife but it can be an unwelcome source of nutrients in delicate habitats.