Why are there so many cats on Maui?

Cats are one of the predators that were introduced by humans to the Hawaiian Islands. The State of Hawai'i Department of Health estimates that there are 500,000 cats on the island of Maui. Thousands of these are feral, non-domesticated animals left to hunt and capture prey in the wild.

Why are there so many stray cats in Hawaii?

European colonists originally brought cats to the islands, after using them as natural rodent-control systems on shipboard. The earliest documentary evidence attesting to the presence of wild cats in Hawaii is a passage in the writings of explorer William Breckenridge dating to 1840.

Are there stray cats in Maui?

The population of feral cats on Maui is estimated to be between 300,000 to 600,000. Feral cats living along the coastline are a particular problem for marine mammals. On Maui, researchers estimated that the feral cat population around Kanaha Wildlife Refuge was at 1,100 in 2014.

Is it illegal to feed stray cats in Hawaii?

A new rule bans feeding and abandoning feral animals at small boat harbors statewide. Governor David Ige approved the rule in December 2018 in an effort to help protect native and endangered species being threatened by feral animals.

How did cats get to Hawaii?

Domestic cats (Felis catus) were first brought to Hawai'i aboard sailing ships of European explorers and colonists. The job of these predators was to control mice and rats on the ships during the long voyages.

Managing Cats

Are cats a problem in Hawaii?

Feral cats have established populations on all eight of the main Hawaiian Islands and contribute to widespread ecological disruptions that threaten native Hawaiian wildlife. Feral cats are one of the most devastating predators of Hawai'i's unique wildlife.

Why there are no snakes in Hawaii?

Snakes are illegal in Hawaii. They have no natural predators here and pose a serious threat to Hawaii's environment because they compete with native animal populations for food and habitat. Many species also prey on birds and their eggs, increasing the threat to endangered native birds.

Can I bring a stray cat home from Hawaii?

Though proof of a current rabies vaccine isn't technically required, we do recommend keeping your cat up-to-date on rabies and also having them microchipped (and keeping the contact information current). Luckily there is no quarantine, and in general the United States is one of the easiest countries to bring a pet.

Why are hamsters illegal in Hawaii?

It's illegal to own pet hamsters in Hawaii. The climate is similar to hamsters' natural desert habitat, and agricultural and environmental officials have expressed concern that released or escaped hamsters could establish wild colonies and damage crops and native plants and animals.

What do feral cats in Hawaii eat?

Feral cats are avid hunters of Hawaii's native wildlife and eat native birds and insects, including the endangered Hawaiian petrels, Newell's shearwaters and Koloa ducks.

Are feral cats a pest?

Cats are a pest animal because they hunt and prey on native species.

Can I pet a feral cat?

Many experts agree that feral adult cats simply can't be tamed. They are wild animals, like raccoons. They tend to stay away from humans, hide during the day, and when adopted, are very difficult to socialize. Just like you would never try to handle a raccoon, you should never try to pick up a feral cat.

Are feral cats invasive species in Hawaii?

Feral cats are known to be an invasive species all around the world, and are especially impactful in island ecosystems like Hawaii. Feral cats on islands are responsible for at least 14% of global bird, mammal, and reptile extinctions and are the principal threat to almost 8% of critically endangered species.

What is Hawaii doing about the feral cats?

The bill called to eliminate all feral cats on Hawaii, Maui and Kauai and reduce Oahu's feral population by 50% by the end of 2025.

Are feral cats happy?

You can also take comfort knowing feral cats are happy and healthy outdoors. You may hear some individuals or groups claim that community cats are suffering. In reality, feral cats live full, healthy lives outdoors. They low rates of disease just like pet cats, and their lifespans are about the same, too.

Are there wild dogs in Hawaii?

The Hawaiian Poi Dog (Hawaiian: ʻīlio or ʻīlio mākuʻe) is an extinct breed of pariah dog from Hawaiʻi which was used by Native Hawaiians as a spiritual protector of children and as a source of food.

What pets are illegal in Hawaii?

Hawaii. For the most part, all exotic animals are illegal in Hawaii. The prohibited animal list include bears, large cats, wild canines, wild cat and wild dog hybrids, kangaroos, wild cattle and deer, birds of prey, alligators, geckos and most other lizards, hedgehogs, gerbils, hamsters, and even ferrets.

Are guinea pigs illegal in Hawaii?

Some non-domesticated animals are also allowed to be imported to Hawaii. These are listed on the List of Conditional Approved Animals. Common animals on the Conditional Approved List include: Guinea pigs, domesticated rats and mice, chinchillas, some species of turtles, certain types of aquarium fish.

What exotic pets are legal in Hawaii?

Hawaii: Peafowl

Only several birds and aquarium-dwelling species are legal exotic pets in this unique state, with peafowl (a.k.a peacocks and peahens) being considered poultry. The list of mammals legal to import into the islands consists of guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, mice, and rats.

Do feral cats spread disease?

Science shows feral cat colonies aren't a risk to humans. The health risks that catch and kill advocates most often blame on cats are intestinal parasites, rabies, flea-borne typhus, and toxoplasmosis. Yet the spread of these diseases has never been conclusively linked to feral cats.

Are pitbulls allowed in Hawaii?

Hawaii Senator Colleen Hanabusa, president of the Hawaii Senate, has introduced Senate Bill 79, which seeks to prohibit the ownership, possession, or sale of “pit bulls” in the state.

Are there mountain lions in Hawaii?

Hawaii. Being the isolated chain of islands that it is, Hawaii is not home to any mountain lions, or any larger mammals for that matter.

Do they have monkeys in Hawaii?

There are no monkeys in Hawaii. Hawaii's indigenous animals, those that are native to the island, include the hoary bat, the Hawaiian state bird, the...

Why are there chickens everywhere in Maui?

Maui has reportedly seen a rise in its feral chicken population in recent years. Common theories hold that the birds escaped from chicken farms, either on their own or in the disarray brought by large storms. And the wild chickens' impact on daily life can be wide-ranging.

Are there anacondas in Hawaii?

No snake species is native to Hawaii; all are invasive.