Metro Vancouver moth outbreak ‘great fun’ for indoor cats

Posted September 12, 2020 7:11 pm.

Last Updated September 12, 2020 7:24 pm.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Metro Vancouver’s moth outbreak is good news for indoor cats that are listless, lazy, or a little plump.

Swatting away the infiltrating insects isn’t much fun for humans but chasing them around is akin to an indoor sport for felines, according to a Lower Mainland veterinarian.

“It’s great fun for the cat, not so much for the moth,” says Dr. Adrian Walton, owner of Maple Ridge’s Dewdney Animal Hospital.

“One of the things that I tell every cat owner they should have when their cats start getting a little bit on the chunky side is to get a laser light pen, and just have them chase the dot around the room. It’s great exercise for them.”

It also gives kitties a chance to hone their hunting skills, which provides mental stimulation particularly for cats who don’t get outdoors.

“These are predatory animals. The reason why they are so damaging when they’re outside killing off all of our native wildlife is for them this is a way of mental stimulation, a sport so to speak. Not only is hunting moths great exercise for them but it’s actually great for their basic well-being,” Walton says.

Someone’s loving the moth outbreak! pic.twitter.com/LooUE1XZtj

— Lisa Steacy (@lisa_steacy) September 13, 2020

With smoke from U.S. wildfires blanketing the Lower Mainland, Walton says keeping cats indoors is the safest option.

“Really keep an eye on them in these smoggy conditions because it’s really hard on their breathing, make sure that they’re kept as calm as possible during these smoky conditions,” Walton says.

He advises humans to make sure their furry friends aren’t over-exerting themselves in pursuit of fluttering prey, adding so-called “smush-faced” breeds, like Persians, are particularly vulnerable to respiratory issues.