Cat Photo: Dee Renee Ericks
Outdoor Cats
Cat threatening bird
Photo: Shutterstock
According to the latest studies, outdoor cats (feral and domestic) kill over 2 billion birds and 12 billion small mammals every year in the United States. Our domestic cats are beloved pets, but they are also an enormous threat to birds. Cats were first introduced to the United States by European colonists, and now their population has tripled over the past 40 years. Although mice and other rodents are the main target of cats, birds account for about 20 percent of the prey they kill.
Felines kill hundreds of millions of birds annually. Many of these are migratory song birds who are also facing increasing pressures from habitat loss, and collisions with glass, buildings and towers. The concentration of bird fatalities occurs near homes where cats come and go, and where birds come to feeders. Fledglings are particularly vulnerable because they have not yet fully developed flight skills and awareness of danger.
Even well-fed cats will kill birds, whether from interest as food, attraction to movement, or play. Some cat owners have tried putting bells on their kitty’s collar. But this tactic is mostly ineffective. Usually the bell’s warning is too late for the prey to escape. On average cats bring back prey only 20 percent of the time. Cats are likely killing animals even if you don’t find leftovers on your threshold.
“Catio” Photo: Janet Kailin
Outdoor cats tend to have shorter lifespans. The simplest solution is to always keep your cats indoors. This solution is healthier for the cats, too! It will prevent them from being struck by cars, attacked by other animals, and from acquiring infectious diseases. Some cat owners have leash trained their kitties, others have built “catios” (outdoor enclosures) so they can still have some sun exposure and sensory stimulation.
Online Resources
Cat Solutions from American Bird Conservancy
Protect Birds From Cats
Tips for Trapping Cats
How to Trap Feral Cats from Havahart
NOT ALL CATS WANT TO BE WALKED ON A LEASH…
Walking outdoors can be wonderful for cats with the right temperament and in carefully controlled situations. Harness walks can be a great way to let your cat explore safely, expand their horizons, yet protect birds and wildlife.
“Cats on A Leash” Photo: Mary Porter-Solberg
Local Resources
Animal Shelters:
Peninsula Friends of Animals, a cage-less, non-profit welfare group serving the Olympic Peninsula since 2000.
257509 Hwy 101
P.O. Box 404
Sequim, WA 98382
Email: pfoa@olypen.com
Phone: (360) 452-0414 (answering machine)
Olympic Peninsula Humane Society
1743 Old Olympic Highway
Port Angeles, WA 98362
P.O. Box 3124
Port Angeles, WA 98362
PhONE: 360.457.8206
Domestic cats, whether they are loose pets, feral cats, or strays, kill millions of wild birds each year in the United States alone. By controlling the cats’ behavior and protecting the birds’ habitat, the risk to birds can be minimized.