Birds

Domestic Cat Management for Bird Conservation

Domestic cat predation on birds is a significant conservation and welfare issue; solutions that protect both cats and birds are available.

Key Facts

Even well-fed domestic cats retain hunting instincts and kill wildlife
Cats with bells kill fewer birds but hunting is not entirely eliminated
Indoors cats have 4-5 times longer lifespans than outdoor cats in the US
Responsible cat ownership reduces both bird mortality and cat mortality simultaneously

Welfare Considerations

Responsible cat management simultaneously improves outcomes for birds and for cats. Indoor cats live significantly longer, are protected from vehicle strikes, predators, and disease, and cannot harm wildlife. Catios provide outdoor enrichment safely. When cats must have outdoor access, bell collars and supervised access during low-predation periods reduce bird mortality. These solutions serve both cat welfare and bird conservation.

What You Can Do

Consider transitioning outdoor cats to indoor or catio-based access
Fit outdoor cats with effective predation reduction devices
Support community education about cat management for bird protection
Engage with local bird conservation organizations about cat-bird conflict solutions