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Cats and Their Impact on Wildlife

Cats and Their Impact on Wildlife

Curbing your cat's killer impact on local wildlife

You might think that it's natural for cats to be allowed to roam as they please, but with many cats, it comes at an environmental cost. Cats are natural hunters and many are the major killers of local wildlife, particularly birds. While this may be desirable in some cases, free roaming cats have had a devastating effect on biodiversity in some parts of the world.

There are however, various ways you reduce the impact your cat has on local wildlife. Your choice really depends on how you live and the personality of your feline friend.

Keep Your Cat Indoors

The number one way to curb your cat's hunting instincts is to keep him in the home. Indoor cats can live a perfectly happy and fulfilling life. What's more, on average, indoors kitties live significantly longer than their free-roaming counterparts. 

Give Wildlife a Warning

If you must let your cat roam outside, make sure he wears a well fitting collar with a bell on it. This can reduce his killing success by at least one-third. 

Give Your Cat a Curfew

The period around sunset and sunrise tend to be some of the most vulnerable hours for birds and a variety of other small wildlife, as this when many species venture out to feed. Try to keep your cat in the house during this time and you may avoid a number of fatalities - or a feather covered lounge room rug. 



Image: Vishnevskiy Vasily/Shutterstock

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