Companion Animals

Cat Outdoor Access and Urban Wildlife Conflicts

The welfare implications of outdoor cat access, including risks to cats and impacts on urban wildlife populations.

Key Facts

Outdoor cats face risks including traffic, disease, and predation
Cats kill significant numbers of birds and small mammals in the UK
Keeping cats indoors or in catios reduces wildlife predation significantly
Neutering significantly reduces roaming behaviour and associated risks
Cat-bird conflicts are a contentious issue in urban biodiversity management

Welfare Considerations

Balancing cat welfare needs for environmental stimulation against risks to cats and wildlife requires thoughtful management rather than blanket policies.

What You Can Do

Provide safe outdoor access through catios or supervised garden time
Fit cats with brightly coloured collar covers to reduce hunting efficiency
Support urban cat neutering programmes to reduce roaming populations