The majority of wild and feral cats throughout the Hawaiian Islands tend to hunt certain protected species of wildlife; plus, they spread disease. Experts at Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) are cautioning visitors against interacting with the cats. "They are incredibly destructive animals to the native species in Hawaii," he said. Cats don’t hunt or harass monk seals, but they’re still a primary suspect in seal mortality, due to toxoplasmosis. For visitors who would like to be affectionate in a "safe space" with Hawaii’s cats, Lanai Cat Sanctuary allows tourists to interact with cats in a protected enclosure.

Source: Fox News April 28, 2022 15:37 UTC