Less rats and mice in urban settings means less cats.

The first place to start is to reduce access to rubbish and kitchen waste. Uncovered compost heaps and chicken coops are amongst the worst issues for homeowners. The food industry and refuse businesses magnify these issues. If reducing waste isn’t possible you will have rats and mice. Desexed cats can keep the problem under control. Cared for Desexed cats who are vaccinated and parasite treated have a useful place in an urban setting where rats and mice are not otherwise controlled.

A word on poison. It’s awful. Watching a rat die from rat sack is awful. It’s prolonged and painful. Cats who eat poisoned rats have a similar fate. The RSPCA is clear that any legal euthanasia of any animal needs to be humane.