Cat in yard—Photo: Dee Renee Ericks

 

When cats are outdoors, they are a deadly threat to birds.

Cat threatening bird
Photo:—Shutterstock

According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates, 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. 

Many causalities are migratory song birds who are also facing increasing pressures from habitat loss and collisions with glass. 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.

 

Remains of a bird following cat predation. Photo:—Dee Renee Ericks

 

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.

Cats are likely killing animals even if you don’t find leftovers on your threshold. On average, cats bring back prey only 20 percent of the time.

A free-roaming cat. Photo:—Dee Renee Ericks

Outdoor cats tend to have shorter lifespans. Keeping cats indoors not only saves avian lives, but keeps our kitty friends out of danger. Dangers to cats outdoors include:

  • Predation by bald eagles, hawks, owls, coyotes, and other wild animals

  • Attacks from other cats, dogs, coyotes, raptors and raccoons

  • Increased exposure to illness, including rabies, plague, and parasites

  • Exposure to toxic and sweet-tasting antifreeze

  • Secondary poisoning from rodents that have consumed rodenticides

  • Adverse weather conditions

  • Being struck by vehicles

Since free-roaming cats are prone to illness, they can carry diseases that pose risks to both pets and people. Keeping cats indoors is the simplest way to protect your family, your cat, and local wildlife.

 

Catios

“Catios” (outdoor enclosures) allow felines some sun exposure and outdoor sensory stimulation. These structures, which come in all shapes and sizes, have gone mainstream.

 
 

Lena’s Catio. Photo:—Katja Bridwell

Physical Health Benefits: Catios are thoughtfully designed with enriching features like ramps, shelves, and multiple levels that encourage natural behaviors such as running, jumping, and climbing that promotes physical activity.

Mental Health Benefits: A catio offers cats a sensory-rich environment where they can enjoy fresh air, natural light, and the diverse sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors. These safe outdoor enclosures are designed to immerse cats in the natural stimuli they crave, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and destructive behaviors often caused by boredom.

An example of a homemade catio with protected netted area on grass beyond. Photo:—Janet Kailin

 

Cats On a Leash

When you keep your cat on a leash on your outdoor adventures, you know that they won’t run off when they get scared, get lost, or become ill or hurt. So, it’s a much safer option to leash train your cat instead of letting them free roam.

Leash training cats is not as straightforward as training a dog, as it does require a bit more patience. Still, cats are intelligent creatures that can pick up on training quite quickly, especially if based on positive reinforcement. With a bit of effort, your cat could be joining you on your daily walks.

Cat on A Leash. Photo:—Piotr Musioł on Unsplash

There are plenty of “how to” sites on the internet that offer suggestions on how to train your cat to walk on a leash. Each cat has an individual personality.

“Cats on A Leash” Photo:—Mary Porter-Solberg

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.

 

Online Resources

Cat Solutions from American Bird Conservancy

Tips for Trapping Cats

How to Trap Feral Cats from Havahart

spay - to - save

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.