Domestic and feral cats kill billions of birds annually; managing this welfare impact requires approaches that consider both cat and bird welfare.
The tension between cat welfare and bird welfare requires acknowledging that protecting bird welfare may require restricting cat movement. Both interests are legitimate. Catios, indoor keeping with enrichment, and bell collars reduce predation without harming cats. Island eradications of feral cats have been controversial but sometimes necessary for critically endangered birds. The welfare of both individual animals and populations deserves consideration.