In North America, domestic cats injure or kill hundreds of millions of wild birds and mammals each year. But with a few simple changes, it’s possible for cats and birds to coexist!
Did you know that even a small scratch from a cat will likely kill a bird? Cats have bacteria in their mouths that are harmful to birds and can be transferred by bites and scratches. Birds caught by cats need to be treated by wildlife professionals with specialized antibiotics, even if they don’t appear injured. Don’t try to care for birds yourself — contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre for assistance or call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 for advice.
Even well-fed cats will still try to catch birds and other animals if left on their own outdoors because of their natural instinct to hunt. The best way to keep both cats and birds safe is to keep your cat indoors. You can create an enriched indoor environment that stimulates your cat mentally and physically. For example:
- Give your cat an outlet for their natural hunting behaviour by using puzzle feeders and having play sessions with toys designed to mimic the movements of birds and mice.
- Add scratching posts, cat trees and perches near doors or windows where your cat can see outside.
Learn more about keeping cats indoors.
For cats with a strong desire for outdoor access, the BC SPCA recommends:
- Training your cat to walk on a harness so you can enjoy outdoor time together
- Building an outdoor enclosure or catio (cat + patio = catio!)
- Outfitting your cat with a CatBib or a Birdsbesafe collar cover
- Training your cat to stay in your yard, and supervising them when they are outdoors
Have bird feeders in your yard? Even if you don’t have cats, make sure to clean spilled seed on the ground so birds aren’t easy targets for neighbourhood cats!
What about a bell?
Wearing a bell will not stop a cat from catching birds or other animals. Cats can learn to hunt very quietly even when wearing a regular collar or collar with a bell. Birds respond better to motion and bright colours, which is why Birdsbesafe collar covers or CatBibs are a better alternative to bells. CatBibs have been shown to stop 81% of cats from catching birds, and Birdsbesafe cat collar covers were found to have up to 87% fewer birds caught by cats. Most cats adjust immediately to wearing these products.
Collar covers and bibs tend to be less effective at reducing cat predation on hatchling and nestling birds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. This again speaks to the importance of keeping cats indoors — for their own protection and for the safety of wild animals.
Want to learn more?
Check out this documentary produced by CBC about the impacts that outdoor cats can have on bird populations featuring our community animal centre in Victoria!
Disclaimer: Any injured birds or other wild animals who are caught by a cat should immediately be taken to your local wildlife rehabilitation centre and never kept in a home.
Small steps can have a big impact. From having your cat wear a Birdsbesafe collar while outside to bringing them indoors and enriching their environment, these changes can keep them safe from outdoor hazards and reduce impacts on birds. Don’t delay — make a difference for cats and birds today!