The Threat of Outdoor Cats: Understanding and Communicating the Evidence

Presented by Grant Sizemore,
American Bird Conservancy Director of Invasive Species Programs

Grant Sizemore with Amelia.

Domestic cats (Felis catus) can make wonderful pets but also have the capacity to kill birds and other wildlife, spread infectious diseases, and cause nuisances in the community. Predation by cats is the number one cause of wild bird deaths in the country.

Grant Sizemore, Director of Invasive Species Programs at American Bird Conservancy, where he runs the “Cats Indoors” campaign, will talk about how to manage domestic cats for everyone’s benefit – birds and other wildlife, people, and cats themselves.

Effective cat management is often complicated by the species’ close affiliation with people and their unique legal status. Grant will focus on the conservation and public health science underpinning the need to manage domestic cats and identify opportunities for organizations and individuals to advance science-based solutions.

Grant has earned degrees in Zoology and Environmental Science from Miami University in Ohio and an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida. He has worked in wildlife conservation policy, education, and research for over 17 years and is a Certified Wildlife Biologist. Outside of work, Grant enjoys hiking, birding, and taking care of his indoor cat.

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This meeting will be a “hybrid” – you can attend in-person at the Shadle Park Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave, Spokane, WA 99205, or online via Zoom using this link. Our speaker, Grant Sizemore, will be giving his presentation via Zoom. Doors will be open at 5:30pm for a little social time before the program begins.