For many bird lovers cats can be seen as a major pest and are one of the reasons cited for the decline of garden birds in the UK. It is estimated that cats kill up to 55 million birds a year of which the most commonly caught are house sparrows, bluetits and black birds. However, there is no evidence that cats are affecting the bird populations as many more millions die naturally each year through starvation or disease or are killed by other predators. As cats tend to prey on weak birds it is likely that the birds they kill would have died before the next breeding season anyway.
Each breeding pair of birds only needs to bring up two chicks to maturity for the species to remain constant and millions of baby birds die each year; again this is quite natural.
Species off birds that have declined the most dramatically in the UK include tree sparrows and skylarks and these tend to live in areas well away from cats so it cannot be them which is causing their decline.
Some garden birds, such as bluetits are actually increasing in numbers despite the presence of cats and of those which are hunted by cats only the starling and house sparrow have suffered a serious decline.
However, it is still a good idea to try and prevent cats hunting and killing birds as gardens provide a breeding ground for many species of birds and will continue to do as safe places to breed in the countryside disappear.
If you have problems with cats coming into your garden and worrying your birds then are a number of steps you can take to help prevent this.
Cat deterrents including ultrasonic devices and water sprinklers will make your garden an uncomfortable environment for cats and should reduce the amount they enter your garden. You can also buy special protectors to stop them climbing over walls and fences.
Make sure bird feeding stations are sited well away from bushes and shrubs where cats can hide before pouncing, and make sure they are unable to climb up the post of your bird table.
Find out more about preventing cats coming into your garden at British Bird Lovers.
