A study by Baker et al . ( 2018 ) highlighted several factors affecting the likelihood of surviving cat-attack victims being released . These were the species , age and the time it took for the bird to be transported to a wildlife centre . The welfare of these cat-attack victims could be improved if owners , rehabilitators and veterinary professionals were able to effectively identify life-threatening injuries during triage ( Baker et al ., 2018 ). This could be achieved by veterinary practices and wildlife rehabilitators working more closely and sharing knowledge . The author would encourage veterinary practices to ensure that a full and thorough clinical examination is provided during the triage process for all cat-attack victims . Veterinary surgeons have a duty to provide first aid and pain relief to prevent suffering to all species , which may include euthanasia ( RCVS , 2021 ). The author recommends veterinary practices have a list of drug doses for pain relief and antibiotics for birds , rodents and bats .
Data from one wildlife rescue centre revealed that 31 % of cat-attack victims were released . The author believes more can be done to reduce predation , which would result in fewer animals being admitted into wildlife rescues and veterinary practices , and could improve the welfare of these animals .
How cat owners can reduce predation on wildlife
One way predation could be stopped altogether would be to keep cats indoors . However , the author understands that this may not be suitable for all cat owners , due to their personal beliefs or if the cat already has access to the outdoors . A study by Crowley et al . ( 2020b ) highlighted that cat owners in the UK currently feel outdoor access is fundamental and a component of cat care . All five types of cat owners disagree that cats should be kept solely inside to stop them hunting , while three of the types felt strongly that cats should have outdoor access ( Crowley et al ., 2020b ).
RESTRICTED OUTDOOR ACCESS
Owners who would like their cat to have access to the outdoors but are concerned about the risks to their cat could consider fencing their garden or providing an outdoor cat enclosure . Cats can climb fences so the fence would need to be at least 2 metres in height to be effective ( Cats Protection , 2021d ; iCatCare , 2018a ). The fence should be close-boarded to ensure the cat cannot get through the fence , and this will also be safer for any wildlife that tries to visit the garden . The author suggests providing a small gap ( 13 cm × 13 cm ) in the fence , to allow hedgehogs to pass freely . This size of gap is often too small for pets but will allow hedgehogs to continue their usual nightly walk to find food and a mate ( Hedgehog Street , 2021 ). An outdoor cat enclosure may be built as an alternative .
Cat owners unwilling or unable to make changes to their gardens could consider restricting access to the outdoors at night . Cats are generally more active from dusk until dawn , and this is a prime time for most wildlife . According to the latest CATS report , 46 % of cats given outdoor access are able to come and go freely during the night ( Cats Protection , 2021b ). Cats Protection and International Cat Care recommend keeping cats indoors at night to keep them safe from dangers like road traffic accidents ( Cats Protection , 2021c ; iCatCare , 2018b ).
Bats are known for being active at night . It is estimated that over 30 % of bats rescued by bat carers have been attacked by cats ( Bat Conservation Trust , 2021 ). Only 14 % of these are released , with 56 % not surviving and 30 % unable to return to the wild . Bats caught by cats can sustain patagial injuries , which can range from small holes in their patagium to large tears . These injuries can lead to wound infection and / or subcutaneous emphysema ( Couper , 2016 ). The most important time to keep cats indoors at night is from mid-June until the end of August , as adult bats will be caring for their young during this time ( Bat Conservation Trust , 2021 ). The Bat Conservation Trust suggests that if cats cannot be kept indoors all night , they should be brought indoors half an hour before sunset and kept in for an hour after sunset .
CAT COLLARS
A study conducted by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ( RSPB ) found that cats with a bell collar returned 41 % fewer birds and 34 % fewer mammals than those with a plain collar ( Nelson et al ., 2005 ). Those with an electronic sonic device on their collar returned 51 % fewer birds and 38 % fewer mammals ( Nelson et al ., 2005 ). However , it has been noted that some cats can learn to stalk without activating the bell , and a study by Cecchetti et al . ( 2021 ) said cat bells have no discernible effect . In this study , the Birdsbesafe ® cat collar reduced the numbers of birds caught and brought home by 42 %, but had no discernible effect on mammals . Some cat owners are concerned about the potential safety risks of a collar , the potential effects on the cat ’ s welfare and the potential intolerance of a collar by their cat ( Crowley et al , 2020b ).
22 Veterinary Nursing Journal