The domestic cat (Felis catus) is a beloved house pet with over 77 million pet cats nationwide.  Of these, currently about 43 million spend some time outside.  Additionally, there may be 60 to 100 million homeless stray and feral cats.  Domestic cats have become a common feature not only of our backyards and city streets but also of our parks and other wild lands.  Domestic cats are non-native to Florida.  Animal behavior experts note that cats will hunt and kill even if well fed.  Domestic cats are very effective predators on prey animals including rabbits, squirrels, mice, lizards, snakes, and many species of wild birds.  They are not a part of natural ecosystem.  Scientists in Wisconsin estimate that cats kill at least 7.8 million birds per year in that state alone.  Even well-fed cats and cats with bells on their collars kill birds and small mammals.  Cats compete with native predators and spread disease.  They can be a nuisance and kill poultry and other small domestic livestock.