Free-roaming cat. Photo by Canva.
“Birds are indicators of the environment. If they are in trouble, we know we’ll soon be in trouble.” – Roger Tory Peterson
As our urban centers grow, so do our neighborhoods, leading to increased pressure on bird populations. The number one cause of bird mortality in the U.S. might surprise you—cats. These beloved furry friends are the leading factor in bird deaths nationwide responsible for killing 2.4 billion birds per year.
Cat ownership in the U.S. has consistently trended upward, with more cats joining households each year. As this trend continues, concerns about rising bird mortality due to free-roaming cats also grow. However, catios—or ‘cat patios,’ outdoor enclosures designed for cats to safely experience the outdoors—can offer mutual benefits for cats, and for wild birds.
The Rise in Cat Ownership and the Impact on Bird Populations
In recent years, the United States has seen a notable increase in cat ownership, with millions of households now welcoming feline companions into their homes. According to The Humane Society of the United States, the number of households with at least one cat rose from 31.9 million in 2017-2018 to 45.4 million in 2021-2022, representing a 42% increase. This trend indicates that cats are becoming an integral part of American families, especially in urban areas with smaller living quarters, highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership practices.
With the increase in cat ownership, there has also been a rise in owners who allow their cats to roam freely, posing significant risks to local bird populations, as well as for the pet cats. In the U.S., approximately 35% of pet owners let their cats roam outdoors. This widespread predation is particularly concerning given the declining numbers of many bird species, already stressed by habitat loss and other urban hazards.
Many cat owners may not realize that even a well-fed domestic cat retains their hunting abilities, often killing birds and local wildlife out of instinct rather than hunger. Other solutions, like cat bells on the collar have been shown to be ineffective in preventing bird predation.
What is a Catio?
A catio, also known as a cat patio, or outdoor cat enclosure, is a safe, enclosed outdoor space designed to allow your cat to experience the outdoors while safeguarding them from dangers like traffic, predators, diseases, and the risk of getting lost. Catios are not only built for safety but can be designed with enriching elements that promote mental and physical health for pet cats while keeping them contained. These structures come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different needs and living situations. Common types of catios include window boxes, freestanding enclosures, and tunnel catios.
Domestic cat enjoying a sunny catio. Photo by Cat Topia.
Benefits of Catios for Cats
Physical Health Benefits: Catios are thoughtfully designed with enriching features like ramps, shelves, and multiple levels that encourage natural behaviors such as running, jumping, and climbing that promotes physical activity.
Mental Health Benefits: A catio offers cats a sensory-rich environment where they can enjoy fresh air, natural light, and the diverse sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors. These safe outdoor enclosures are designed to immerse cats in the natural stimuli they crave, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and destructive behaviors often caused by boredom. (insert catio picture #2)
How Can Catios Help With Bird Conservation?
With billions of birds falling prey to cats each year, catios are a humane solution that allows cats to experience the enrichments of outdoor life while protecting local bird populations. Research shows that a single free-roaming cat can kill an average of 11 birds annually, and with the typical household owning two cats, the impact can be significant. Catios can be an effective and humane tool in bird conservation efforts. By keeping cats within these structures, we significantly reduce the number of birds killed, contributing to the preservation of local and migratory bird populations. (insert infographic #3)
If you’re a cat owner, installing a catio is an impactful step you can take to protect birds and give your cat a fulfilling outdoor experience. By doing so, you’re not just investing in your pet’s happiness; you’re also playing a vital role in local conservation.
Interested in a Catio for Your Feline?
Cat Topia specializes in designing and building outdoor cat enclosures across the country. They are offering a 10% donation back to Birds Connect Seattle for anyone who uses their services through this link.
You can feel good knowing your cat has an enriching and safe outdoor space and local birds are protected.
References
Keep cats indoors. NYC Bird Alliance. (n.d.). https://nycbirdalliance.org/take-action/make-nyc-bird-friendly/keep-cats-indoors#:~:text=There%20are%20now%20over%20100,human%2Dcaused%20mortality%20for%20birds.
Pets by the numbers. HumanePro. (n.d.). https://humanepro.org/page/pets-by-the-numbers
Sources of cats in U.S. households. Alley Cat Allies. (2017, May 23). https://www.alleycat.org/resources/sources-of-cats-in-u-s-households/
A cat has been visiting my home. what should I do? I think I can put him/her in a carrier. A cat has been visiting my home. What should I do? I think I can put him/her in a carrier. | AustinTexas.gov. (n.d.). https://www.austintexas.gov/faq/cat-has-been-visiting-my-home-what-should-i-do-i-think-i-can-put-himher-carrier#:~:text=Around%2035%25%20of%20pet%20owners,a%20collar%20or%20name%20tag.&text=If%20you%20don%27t%20get,that%20you%20can%27t%20see.
Week, T. (2024, February 2). By the numbers: The billions of animals killed by cats. Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/48660/numbers-billions-animals-killed-cats
Campbell, V. (2023, August 9). FAQ: Outdoor Cats and their effects on birds. All About Birds. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/faq-outdoor-cats-and-their-effects-on-birds/#:~:text=of%20bird%20deaths.-,It%27s%20estimated%20that%20cats%20kill%201.3%E2%80%934%20billion%20birds%20each,to%20feral%20or%20unowned%20cats.
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