One Health Seminar Series Presents, ‘Cat Wars’

By Michelle Glitzer '20, marketing and communications intern

What should be done about the consequences of free-ranging cats on humans and wildlife? That’s the question that Peter P. Marra, director of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, explores in the book “Cat Wars: The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer." 

Marra will speak about his book at Delaware Valley University on Tuesday, March 6 as part of the University's One Health Seminar Series. The presentation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Life Sciences Building auditorium. There will be a book signing after the presentation. "Cat Wars" is available at the Delaware Valley University Bookstore for purchase. 

"Cat Wars," follows the historical and cultural ties between humans and cats beginning with early domestication all the way to the current boom in pet ownership. The book discusses the science of extinction, population modeling, and feline diseases. "Cat Wars" examines the impact of free-ranging cats on wildlife and humans.

"Cats, most of them unowned free-ranging cats, kill as many as four billion birds in the United States each year,” said Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Guns, Germs, and Steel" about the book.  “What, if anything, should be done about it? 'Cat Wars' tackles this difficult dilemma. If you are a cat lover, a bird lover, a philosopher, an ethicist, or just anyone interested in gut-wrenching dilemmas, you will find this a gripping book." 

Marra has written more than 175 scientific publications, is the co-editor of "Birds of Two Worlds," and directs the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

Tickets:
All are welcome. There is no cost to attend, and guests do not need to register in advance.

About the One Health Seminar Series:
One Health is the multi-disciplinary approach that works locally, regionally, nationally, and globally to attain optimal well-being for people and society, the environment, and plants and animals. Together, the three major components make up the One Health triad, and the wellbeing of each is inextricably linked to the others.

Learn more about the "Cat Wars" event at Delaware Valley University. 

View a complete list of Spring 2018 One Health Seminar Series events.