Cats

Free-roaming cats are the leading cause of wild bird deaths every year. Keep your cat and birds safe by choosing an indoor option.

Home 5 Learn 5 Birds of WA State 5 Bird Facts 5 Keeping Cats Indoors

Keep Cats Indoors for the Birds

Cats take a heavy toll on wildlife. Researchers estimate that outdoor, free-roaming cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds per year in the US. Additionally, cat bites can cause serious infections in birds, and the presence of cats near nest sites can significantly reduce the health of chicks and decrease overall nest success.

Birds aren’t the only target of cats; small mammals, reptiles, and other wildlife are killed and injured through cat predation.

Keeping your indoors is a simple way to keep both your beloved pet and wildlife safe.

Keep Cats Indoors for the Cats

Keeping your cats indoors helps keep them healthy, avoiding many risks. The average lifespan of an outdoor cat is 1-5 years, while indoor cats may live up to 20 years. Free-roaming, outdoor cats are at risk of predation and attacks from other animals, traffic collisions, poisoning, and other dangers. Outdoor cats are also at greater risk of contracting diseases and fleas. Keeping cats indoors keeps them safe and healthy.

Cats & Birds: Common Misconceptions

Below are several myths surrounding outdoor cats and their impacts on wildlife. Click to read the truth.

Myth: Only feral cats are the problem

Truth: Feral cats are only part of the problem. Of the 2.4 billion birds killed by cats per year, nearly a third were killed by domestic pets. Feral populations can build to high numbers, and domestic cats will tolerate close quarters with feral cats and even live together.

Myth: Cats do not have a significant impact on bird populations.

Truth: As introduced and invasive predators, outdoor cats kill instinctively and indiscriminately. Research has found that cats currently threaten a large proportion of at-risk bird and mammal species. Our native bird species have little natural defense against outdoor cats, resulting in population decline.

Myth: Cats don't hunt birds if they're well-fed

Truth: Even well-fed cats will continue to hunt, which means that they are often more fit and capable hunters.

Myth: Bells prevent cats from catching birds

Truth: Birds don’t recognize a soft, tinkling bell as an alarm and will not scare away in time. Cats can learn to walk soundlessly, even with a bell.

Tips for Bringing Cats Indoors

Training a cat that’s used to being outside is difficult, but it can be done. One important approach is to gradually adjust the amount of time they spend outside. Providing plenty of entertainment, access to windows, scratching posts, and toys will also enrich their new indoor lives. PAWS Wildlife Center, the Humane Society, and The American Bird Conservancy’s Cats Indoors program provides resources to transition your outdoor cat indoors successfully and smoothly.