Sacajawea Audubon Society has a program to address the issue of free-roaming domestic cats and their impact on birds. It’s called “Keep Cats Safe” and includes educational information on keeping cats indoors, creating an outdoor enclosure or “catio”, and walking your cat on a leash. It’s been well-documented that owned free-roaming cats are the number one human-caused mortality of wild birds, killing approximately 2.4 billion each year in the U.S. alone.
In addition to depredating birds, outside cats are at an increased risk of disease, predation by other animals, or being hit by a vehicle. Help our wild birds by becoming a responsible cat owner. Keep your cat inside or in an outdoor enclosure. If you like to walk with your kitty, consider using a harness, or carry them in a backpack or stroller. There are many great options available. Containing cats is an easy way to provide cats with healthy, safe lives while reducing needless bird and other wildlife deaths.
Resources for cat owners:
Cats, Birds & You (informational brochure)
Ready-made Catios for Purchase
American Bird Conservancy – Cats Indoors
National Audubon – Treat Your Cat to the Outdoors
How to Keep Cats Out of the Garden
Anti-Predation Devices
The best way to protect cats and birds is to keep cats safely contained. However, if you are in the process of transitioning your outdoor cat to an indoor cat or just want to add an extra layer of wildlife protection while your cat is in the backyard enclosure, several devices can help reduce (but not eliminate) cat predation. Review the latest science here.
Visual Alerts: Visual cues can alert wildlife to the presence of a cat and prevent harmful interactions. To learn more, visit: Birdsbesafe®.
Mechanical Obstructions: Devices that obstruct a cat’s ability to stalk, pounce, or grab prey may reduce impacts on birds and other wildlife. To learn more, visit: CatBib.
Audio Alerts: Noise-emitting devices worn by your cat may reduce the opportunity for direct harm to wildlife.
Train Your Cat to Use a Harness and Go for a Stroll:
Check out these catios from a few of our SAS members:
