Cat owners fall into five categories in terms of their attitudes to their pets’ roaming and hunting, according to a new study.

University of Exeter researchers surveyed UK cat owners and found they ranged from «conscientious caretakers» concerned about cats’ impact on wildlife and who feel some responsibility, to «freedom defenders» who opposed restrictions on cat behaviour altogether.

«Concerned protectors» focussed on cat safety, «tolerant guardians» disliked their cats hunting but tended to accept it, and «laissez-faire landlords» were largely unaware of any issues around cats roaming and hunting.

Conservation organisations have long been concerned about the numbers of animals caught by the UK’s large population of domestic cats.

Most pet cats kill very few wild animals, if any, but with a population of around 10 million cats, the numbers of birds, small mammals and reptiles taken can accumulate.

Apart from their role as «mousers,» most owners find the dead animals brought home an unpleasant reminder of their pet’s wilder side.

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Materials provided by University of Exeter. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.