Your cat loves the thrill of the chase. It has an innate desire to stalk, pounce and catch its prey, even if it’s more interested in proudly laying it at your feet than eating it.
With estimates that feral cats kill as many as 75 million native Australian animals each day, here are some tips to stop your family pet adding to the tally.
Keep your cat entertained
A tired pet is more likely to curl up for a catnap than go in search of prey, so keep your cat busy with plenty of games. While you are at home together, play with moving toys like balls or wands. While you are away, provide automatic interactive toys or IQ toys and plenty of things for climbing and scratching. Although a well-fed cat will still have the desire to hunt, it is less likely to go in for the “kill bite” so make sure your pet has a good quality diet.
Sabotage your cat’s hunting
There is only so much you can do to curb your cat’s natural desire to hunt. You can however limit the damage by undermining your cat’s ability to catch and kill birds.
- Bell the cat: alert unwitting birds to your cat’s approach by fitting your pet with a collar that features a bell. For good pet care collars with break-away buckles or elasticised sections are recommended as they allow cats to escape if they become snagged. Some crafty cats will learn how to walk without ringing their bell. If you notice this, add a second bell or change the collar regularly.
- Inside time: keep your cat indoors when birds are feeding and vulnerable. That includes in the early morning, the evening and after rain.
- Garden design: if birds are known to come to your yard to feed or bathe, consider the access your cat has to the area. Make sure there are no nearby platforms from which your cat can pounce and consider planting spiky plants below.