Wild Birds

Garden Cats and Nesting Birds: Reducing Predation

Garden cats pose a significant welfare threat to nesting birds during the breeding season, when adults are more vulnerable to predation and nest disturbance and chick mortality can be severe.

Key Facts

Cats kill a disproportionate share of fledglings learning to fly in June-July
Nesting birds show elevated stress behaviors in gardens with frequent cat presence
Nest failure from cat disturbance prevents successful breeding for that season
CatAlert devices with sensors alert birds to approaching cats
Native shrubs planted close together create nest sites that are more difficult for cats to reach

Welfare Considerations

Nesting birds disturbed by cats experience the welfare impact of failed breeding attempts and the direct welfare harm to chicks that are caught. Fledglings learning to fly during their most vulnerable period are disproportionately represented in cat prey. Garden design and cat management during the breeding season (April-August) directly reduces welfare harm to breeding bird populations.

What You Can Do

Keep cats indoors during dawn and dusk when birds are most active
Apply CatAlert or other deterrent devices to cats during bird breeding season
Position bird feeders and nest boxes away from cat ambush positions
Plant dense native shrubs at height as inaccessible nest sites
Support wildlife-friendly garden design resources for cat owners