ChatterBank0 min ago
Pet Cats V. Birds.
41 Answers
The RSPCA estimate there are 8 million cats in the UK. I have 20 bird feeders in my garden and the decline in once common birds is disturbing. I record species and numbers for one hour every week. I can usually see about four feeders at once. The domestic cat is widely reported, along with changing farming practices as the reason behind this decline. Should a law be enacted to force cat owners to keep their pets indoors. I know this will be tough but maybe give five years notice of the change for cats to be acclimatised. What do you think?
Answers
Clearly the cat population is out of control in the UK and is affecting other native species as well as causing this imbalance of our natural ecosystems. One solution could be a ban on cats similar to the ban on keeping rabbits in Australia (giving 5 years notice of the ban could be too long, as the cat population could have increased at least another million by...
21:40 Wed 11th Oct 2017
Clearly the cat population is out of control in the UK and is affecting other native species as well as causing this imbalance of our natural ecosystems. One solution could be a ban on cats similar to the ban on keeping rabbits in Australia (giving 5 years notice of the ban could be too long, as the cat population could have increased at least another million by then, and some of our already endangered bird species may well then be extinct.) Otherwise a nationwide cull of cats may be the only humane answer or at least an introduction of a compulsory family planning programme to keep the amourous cats from reproducing willy nilly. Do you know if the natural rodent populations have been affected by this feline explosion? If I were you, I would definitely be thinking of investing in another 10 to 15 bird feeders too, just on case.
IMO cats should be kept in at night especially during spring when they target fledgelings at sunrise which are an easy target as they are not 'streetwise'. That would be a good start. You can buy a cat flap that you can set so that once a cat comes in after a certain set time, say 8pm in the evening, and it can't get out again until whatever time you decide in the morning. Cats soon get used to it, mine did.
Also, a collar that snaps free when caught on anything, with as big a bell as you can find to give the birds some warning time, should be worn.
Bird feeders in gardens are of course a target for birds and therefore cats, so the feeders should be placed carefully, high up and near a tree or a bush so a bird can seek protection in the foliage.
Anything that might save the lives of our lovely song birds is worth a try. Lots are on the RSPB's Red list as endangered. Cats are not on anyone's endangered list.
Also, a collar that snaps free when caught on anything, with as big a bell as you can find to give the birds some warning time, should be worn.
Bird feeders in gardens are of course a target for birds and therefore cats, so the feeders should be placed carefully, high up and near a tree or a bush so a bird can seek protection in the foliage.
Anything that might save the lives of our lovely song birds is worth a try. Lots are on the RSPB's Red list as endangered. Cats are not on anyone's endangered list.
I only once had a cat on my property in my years in Calgary.....
A bylaw stated that cats must be confined to the owner's property which of course meant keeping cats indoors...though some folk did walk them on a leash.....
It worked really well and much as I like cats I like birds much more so I'd be happy to see that bylaw in place here....x
A bylaw stated that cats must be confined to the owner's property which of course meant keeping cats indoors...though some folk did walk them on a leash.....
It worked really well and much as I like cats I like birds much more so I'd be happy to see that bylaw in place here....x
