Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week—Eastern Chipmunk

This little Eastern Chipmunk is our 434th confirmed cat attack patient so far this year, and sadly, she will not be our last.

This is the time of year when we see most of our annual chipmunk patients, as they’re busy securing food to cache (store for later) for the winter. Meaning they’re above ground and out in the open foraging more often. This can leave them more vulnerable to predator attacks, including attacks by non-native domestic predators like cats.

Your cat does not need to roam freely outdoors to live a happy and fulfilled life. There are plenty of safe enrichment options that keep cats healthy and stimulated indoors, and indoor-only cats live longer and healthier lives than those allowed outside.

If your cat enjoys time outdoors, try leash and harness training or build a catio (an enclosed outdoor space) for supervised and secure exploration. Both allow your cat to experience the sights, smells, and sounds of nature while staying safe.

Free-roaming domestic cats are a threat to themselves, wildlife, livestock, and even people. They:

• Kill native wildlife through predation
• Spread diseases that can infect animals and humans
• Defecate in gardens and yards
• Damage property
• And are the fourth most common species to test positive for rabies in Virginia, after raccoons, skunks, and foxes

Domestic cats are human-created and not native to any ecosystem, but they do belong and thrive indoors. When kept safely inside, cats are protected from predators, disease, cars, parasites, and bad weather. You are also likely to save money on veterinary bills.

Our staff loves cats, and most of us share our homes with one or more (see photos below). We want cats to live long, happy lives in loving homes, while wildlife stays safe outdoors.

Keeping your cat indoors or contained outside is a win for both cats and wildlife.

And remember: if your cat catches any wild animal, even if it appears unharmed, contain it and bring it to your nearest wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Cat mouths harbor bacteria that can cause fatal infections within days, even when there are no visible injuries.

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.