Based on the data provided by several wildlife rescues , the author also believes the percentage of birds attacked by cats could be reduced by providing clients and members of the public with more information on the nesting season and fledgling birds . In the spring and summer , it is common to find young birds sitting on the ground or hopping about without their parents ( RSPB , 2021b ). The most familiar fledgling birds are juvenile garden birds that are old enough to leave the nest but are still supported by their parents . These fledglings often spend a few days on the ground while their flight feathers complete their growth ( RSPB , 2021b ). This makes them more likely to be targeted by cats as they are unable to fly away . The RSPB states that cats should be kept indoors until the fledgling is airborne because , in a conflict of interest between wild and domestic animals , the domestic pet must give way ( RSPB , 2021b ).

WILDLIFE- AND CAT-FRIENDLY GARDENS

To reduce the chances of cats catching garden birds , it is advisable to avoid feeding birds at ground level and to place feeders high off the ground ( RSPB , 2021a ). Bird feeders encourage birds to congregate more than usual , which increases the transmission of diseases and infections ( BTO , 2021 ). It is therefore recommended that feeding stations and bird baths are regularly cleaned with a suitable disinfectant ( BTO , 2021 ). Some diseases can cause death , which may lead to wider population decline ( BTO , 2021 ), and cats may be more likely to predate on weakened birds .

Where nest boxes are provided , they should be carefully located to ensure cats cannot reach them or sit by them . Placing spiny plants or an uncomfortable surface beneath bird feeding stations and nest boxes has been suggested ( RSPB , 2021a ).

Cats and wildlife benefit from fresh water and shelter in gardens . If ponds are present , these should have sloping sides to provide an escape route for both cats and wildlife ( Trevorrow , 2019 ). Log piles and tree stumps can provide a refuge for wildlife and a scratching surface for cats ( Trevorrow , 2019 ). Some garden hazards can be harmful to both cats and wildlife . These include garden chemicals such as wood preservatives for fences , and pesticides such as slug pellets ( Trevorrow , 2020 ). To create a hedgehog-friendly garden , any product that kills slugs , snails or insects should be avoided ( Hedgehog Street , 2017 ).

Conclusion

Not all cats are hunters , and some may be more proficient and prolific hunters than others . Although there is no scientific evidence of the impact of cat predation on bird population decline ( RSPB , 2021c ), and the frequency of individual killings is low , the cumulative effect may be more severe in areas with a high density of cats ( Cecchetti et al ., 2021 ). The welfare of birds and small mammals is likely to be greatly compromised as a result of hunting by cats . Veterinary professionals , especially RVNs , can support and provide guidance to cat owners – during consultations , through display boards and via social media posts – to encourage responsible cat ownership that includes considering wildlife . Awareness of cat-attack data , alongside owner-type identification , may encourage change . By suggesting positive ways to improve the welfare of cats and wildlife , more progress could be made in this subject area .

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Secret World Wildlife Rescue , HART Wildlife Rescue , East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service , Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre , and Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital for providing data on their cat-attack wildlife admissions in 2020 . The author would also like to thank the University of Exeter and SongBird Survival for their research into cat owners and wildlife , on which this article is based .

Volume 38, July 2022 | Page 24