London, Aug 9 (IANS): Scientists at a US university attached cameras to the collars of 60 outdoor cats and were surprised to find that 30 percent among them killed an average of two animals a week.

Researchers at the University of Georgia looked at cats prowling around Athens city, the Daily Mail reported.

The three-ounce cameras dubbed "kitty cams" were designed by National Geographic to be waterproof with LED night vision and radio trackers.

The scientists found that 30 percent of cats ate their catch while a majority 49 percent left the carcasses to rot. Just 21 percent brought the kill home to their owners' place.

Researcher Kerrie Anne Loyd said most cats "would capture their prey, may be play with it for a minute and then leave it close to the site of capture".

Cats killed the maximum lizards, snakes and frogs at 41 percent while mammals such as chipmunks and voles made up 25 percent. Insects and worms made up 20 percent of the kills while 12 percent were birds.

The videos also revealed a "dare-devil" side to the cats.

One cat's camera footage showed it going down a storm sewer's tight and dark tunnels.

Around 20 percent of the cats were found to love storm drains, 45 percent were seen crossing roads. Around 25 percent ate and drank everything they found, 20 percent entered spaces they could become trapped in.

Male cats were found more likely to have a risky behaviour, while older cats were more careful than younger ones.

One woman said her cat has two families. "They held open the door for him and he walked in and he just hung out in their house," the woman said.

Four of the 60 cats were recorded entering another household that was not their own with an aim to get food and affection.