Aberystwyth science student tracks killer cats
Inspired by detective crime series ‘Hinterland’, Aberystwyth University Animal Science student Henriette Wisnes is investigating why cats kill so many other animals. Pathological pussy-cats or misunderstood moggies? Millions of animals are thought to be ‘eliminated’ by our precious little bundles of joy every year. But do our furry friends prefer a set menu across the country? Or is there a preference for local produce? And do some countries house more ferocious felines than others? Using a simple online form the public is being asked to ‘snitch’ on their tabbies. Already, more than 250 participants from the UK and continental Europe have responded. Henriette, who is now in her third year at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS) is investigating how natural hunting instincts in cats can impact on the local wildlife. When asked what ‘Fluffy’ brings home, she says: “Some cats seem to have a preference for what one mig...