A correctly fitted collar and bell can reduce cat predation by a third, according to new RSPB research. The study, undertaken by volunteer cat owners from across the UK, tested the effect of different collar-mounted warning devices in reducing cat predation within gardens.
Results show that cats equipped with a bell returned 41 per cent fewer birds and 34 per cent fewer mammals than those with a plain collar. Those equipped with an electronic sonic device returned 51 per cent fewer birds and 38 per cent fewer mammals, compared with cats wearing a plain collar.
Gardens are becoming increasingly important as providers of food and shelter to many birds, because of a decrease in natural habitats and food sources. Red-listed species such as the house sparrow, starling and song thrush are becoming increasingly concentrated in gardens and therefore in closer contact with pet cats.
Currently there is no evidence to prove cats are responsible for the overall decline in bird numbers, however reducing predation can only help.
What you can do
- Put a bell on your cat’s collar. A recent study suggests that this may reduce predation of birds, and may reduce predation of mice and voles, too. The collar must be correctly fitted and should have a quick release mechanism to allow the cat to free itself, should it become snagged. There are commercially-available sonic collars which are designed to alert the potential prey to the cats presence. We do not yet know how effective these collars are or how they affect the cat.
- Cats should always be well-fed and cared-for, but this may also encourage them to stay near home and be less likely to wander where they are not welcome (although it will not prevent them catching birds).
Keep your cat indoors when birds are most vulnerable: at least an hour before sunset and an hour after sunrise, especially during March-July and December-January, and also after bad weather, such as rain or a cold spell, to allow birds to come out and feed.
- Take unwanted cats to a shelter for rehoming to prevent the feral cat population from increasing.
- Consider having cats neutered to prevent them wandering and producing unwanted kittens.
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