Cats are obligate predators whose hunting behaviour is driven by instinct rather than hunger. Understanding the welfare implications of cat hunting for both cats and wildlife enables more effective management strategies.
The hunting behaviour of domestic cats is one of the most complex welfare intersections in companion animal management — involving the welfare of the cat, the welfare of wildlife prey, and the values of the owner. Suppressing hunting behaviour entirely through permanent indoor confinement protects wildlife but imposes welfare costs on the cat that require compensatory enrichment. Allowing unrestricted hunting imposes welfare costs on billions of birds and small mammals annually. The evidence-based middle path — bell collars, Birdsbesafe collar covers, timed indoor restriction during peak wildlife breeding periods, and intensive indoor enrichment that satisfies predatory drive — reduces wildlife mortality substantially while respecting the cat's predatory nature. There is no perfect solution, but informed, welfare-conscious management significantly improves outcomes for all parties.