Wildlife

Cat Predation on Wild Birds and Wildlife

Domestic and feral cats kill billions of wild birds and mammals annually, representing a major but preventable welfare issue.

Key Facts

Cats are estimated to kill 1.3-4 billion birds annually in the US alone
In the UK, cats kill an estimated 55 million birds per year
Fledgling birds and small mammals are most vulnerable to cat predation
Bell collars reduce predation by up to 40%
Keeping cats indoors eliminates predation entirely

Welfare Considerations

Cat predation causes significant welfare harm to billions of individual wild animals annually. Prey animals experience fear, injury, and often prolonged suffering before death. While cats have a natural hunting drive, this behaviour can be substantially mitigated through management. Balancing cat welfare with wildlife welfare is possible through thoughtful ownership practices.

What You Can Do

Keep cats indoors especially at dawn, dusk, and breeding seasons
Fit cats with a bell collar to reduce hunting success
Support local wildlife corridors and predator-conscious garden design
Participate in cat predation monitoring schemes to quantify local impact
Advocate for policies that require responsible cat ownership in urban areas