Hunting by free-roaming cats causes billions of wildlife deaths annually, raising welfare concerns for both predated wildlife and the cats engaged in the behaviour.
Cat hunting creates a genuine welfare conflict: the hunting drive is natural and its suppression is difficult, but the prey species suffer death and injury as a result. Birds caught by cats often die slowly from bacterial infection even if initially escaping. Small mammals may also escape with injuries that cause prolonged suffering. From the cat's perspective, hunting provides mental stimulation and exercise. The most effective welfare-conscious solutions — keeping cats indoors or using Birdsbesafe collars — balance cat welfare against the welfare of prey species. There is no perfect solution, but significant harm reduction is achievable.