Cat–wildlife interactions and zoonotic disease risk: a call for more and better community science data

Abstract

Due to their close interaction with both wildlife and humans, free-ranging domestic animals are well-suited to act as conveyors of zoonotic pathogens. Yet, although cats Felis catus are major predators of bats and other groups of zoonotic concern (e.g., rodents and birds), mounting evidence suggests that their role in the emergence of zoonotic diseases may be unappreciated. Here, we use bat–cat information extracted from the popular iNaturalist platform as a case in point to illustrate the potential of community science and social media to expand our understanding of pet-wildlife interactions. Although observations of cats preying on bats were more prevalent in Europe and North America, evidence of such interactions was documented across different geographic regions, revealing a relatively high incidence of bat predation by cats and providing evidence of cat–bat interactions previously unreported in the scientific literature. The lack of surveillance focused on cats and other pets as bridging hosts for zoonotic spillover events is concerning, considering the recognised risks they pose. Community science is a relatively untapped source of information for pet-wildlife interactions of zoonotic relevance. It is crucial that we gain a better understanding of the interaction between free-ranging pets and wildlife to better understand their potential contribution to past and future disease outbreaks. Failing to do so not only jeopardises human health but also puts pets at risk.