While cats are cherished family pets, with more than 11 million of them in the UK they pose a significant threat to wildlife. Studies estimate domestic cats kill between 160-275 million animals annually, including 40-70 million birds. Here, we discuss how cat owners can help reduce this impact, while continuing to love their pets.
Are Cats a Threat to the UK’s Wild Bird Population?
Cats are fascinating companions who bring joy and warmth to millions of UK homes, with over 11 million beloved felines enriching households across the nation. As natural-born hunters, our feline friends possess an incredible set of instincts that have been honed over thousands of years - skills that make them both wonderful pets and highly efficient predators.
While we cherish our cats' playful nature and hunting prowess, it's important to recognise that these natural behaviours can impact our local wildlife. Studies show that domestic cats in the UK interact significantly with wildlife, catching and killing between 160 to 275 million animals annually*. This presents an opportunity for responsible pet owners to find supportive ways to balance their cats' natural instincts while protecting local wildlife.
The good news is that there are many effective and cat-friendly solutions that allow our pets to express their natural behaviours while keeping wildlife safe. By understanding and working with our cats' instincts, rather than against them, we can create an environment where both our beloved pets and local wildlife can thrive.
How Many Birds Are Killed by Cats in the UK?
The statistics are alarming. Based on current estimates, domestic cats in the UK kill approximately 40 to 70 million birds each year* and typically consist species that regularly visit gardens. Cats are instinctive hunters, and even well-fed pets with no need to hunt, often stalk and kill birds and small mammals.
While individual cats may only kill a few birds annually, their collective impact across the UK is substantial.
Why Is This a Problem?
Garden bird populations in the UK are already facing severe challenges from habitat loss, reduced food sources, as well as climate change. Many beloved species like greenfinches, house sparrows, starlings, and mistle thrushes have seen dramatic declines in recent decades. These birds are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems - as well as bringing joy to millions of garden bird watchers. At a time when these birds desperately need our support and protection, cat predation adds yet another significant pressure on their survival.
This is particularly concerning for vulnerable species that nest or feed close to the ground, such as robins, blackbirds and dunnocks. Many of these birds are already struggling to maintain their populations in urban and suburban areas. With migratory birds also facing numerous challenges during their seasonal journeys, the additional threat from domestic cats can be particularly devastating for these already stressed populations.
Cats and Mammals: A Broader Impact
Birds aren’t the only victims of cat predation. Mammals such as mice, voles, and even bats fall prey to domestic cats. While some argue that cats help control rodent populations, their impact often extends to species that are important to natural ecosystems. Small mammals contribute to soil health, seed distribution, and the food chain, meaning their decline could have far-reaching effects.
So What Can Cat Owners Do?
While cats’ hunting instincts cannot be entirely curbed, there are steps owners can take to reduce their impact on wildlife:
- Keep Cats Indoors During Peak Hunting Times: Birds and mammals are most active at dawn and dusk, so keeping cats indoors during these times can limit hunting opportunities.
- Provide Alternative Entertainment: Toys, climbing structures, and indoor enrichment can help satisfy a cat’s predatory instincts without harm to wildlife.
- Fit Cats with Collars and Bells: Studies have shown that cats wearing collars with bells, especially brightly coloured ones, are less successful hunters.
- Interactive Play Sessions: Just 5-10 minutes of indoor play between cat and owner that satisfies the cat’s hunting behaviour has been shown to reduce prey brought home.
- Supervise Outdoor Time: Consider creating a secure outdoor enclosure or ‘catio’ to allow cats to enjoy fresh air while keeping wildlife safe.
- Neuter and Spay Cats: Neutering pet cats reduces the number of feral and stray cats, which are often prolific hunters.
Supporting Wild Bird Populations
While mitigating cat predation is essential, it’s equally important to support wild bird populations in other ways. Homeowners can make gardens bird friendly by planting native trees and shrubs, providing food and water, and creating safe spaces for nesting. Efforts to protect and restore lost habitats, both urban and rural, will help birds thrive despite the pressures they face.
Cats FAQ’s
Why Do Cats Kill Birds?
Cats are instinctive hunters, a trait deeply ingrained in their nature. Even well-fed domestic cats retain the urge to hunt, stemming from their predatory ancestry. Birds, along with small mammals and insects, are natural prey for cats due to their size, movement, and availability. This behaviour is not a sign of hunger but a result of their hunting instinct. Cats play an important role in their native habitats, but in regions like the UK, where many wild species are already under pressure, their predation can have significant negative impact on bird populations.
How to Stop Cats Killing Wildlife
Preventing cats from killing wildlife is possible with proactive measures. Fitting your cat with a collar and bell is an effective deterrent, reducing hunting success. Brightly coloured collars are useful by making birds more aware of a cat's presence. Keeping cats indoors during dawn and dusk, when wildlife is most active, can also effective. Providing enrichment and playtime indoors satisfies their hunting instincts without harming wildlife. See more tips above.
Do Cats Attack Hedgehogs?
No, while there is anecdotal evidence that cats attack hedgehogs in the UK, we have never seen or had any incidents reported of a cat physically attacking a hedgehog. Cats are curious animals and will approach hedgehogs but generally leave them alone after investigating. If cats get too curious hedgehogs will defend themselves by rolling in a ball and bristle their spiny coats at the cat, until it moves on. To reduce potential conflict, feed hedgehogs and cats separately and keep cat food indoors. It’s also a good idea to ensure your garden is hedgehog friendly with plenty of hiding spots and natural food sources to help protect these vulnerable creatures.
How Do Cats Kill Birds?
Cats use their speed, stealth, and sharp claws to catch birds. They often stalk their prey before pouncing with precision. Birds are typically caught when they are on the ground feeding, nesting, or roosting. Cats will try to bite and break a captured birds neck, but many escape with puncture wounds from bites or claws. Sadly, due to the bacteria in cats’ saliva, even minor wounds can cause infections, making survival unlikely. This highlights the importance of mitigating cat predation to protect wild bird populations.
Do Cats Attack Squirrels?
Yes, cats sometimes attack squirrels, but usually only young or inexperienced ones. Adult squirrels are quick and agile, and likely to bite back making them challenging prey, they can still fall victim to determined cats, especially when foraging on the ground. If you want to protect squirrels in your garden, consider limiting your cat’s outdoor access during times of high squirrel activity, or use a combination of the tips above.
How Much Wildlife Do Cats Kill?
Estimates suggest that UK cats kill between 40-70 million birds annually, along with many millions more of small mammals and reptiles. This figure includes both feral and domestic cats, highlighting the serious cumulative impact they have on local wildlife. Cats primarily target species that are small, easy to catch, and abundant, and therefore their predation can disproportionately affect typical garden species, particularly in urban and suburban areas. By adopting responsible cat ownership practices, the impact of cat predation can be significantly reduced.
A Delicate Balance
Cats are an integral part of many families, and their place in UK homes is secure. However, their impact on wildlife cannot be ignored. Striking a balance between responsible pet ownership and wildlife conservation is essential for maintaining the UK’s natural ecosystems. By taking proactive steps, cat owners can help mitigate their pets’ impact and contribute to a future where both cats and birds can coexist.
*Note: The statistics quoted are based on studies and surveys conducted by various organizations and charities, rather than official UK government estimates. The UK government has not published specific statistics on the number of birds and mammals killed by cats.
