Proven Ways to Keep Cats and Wild Birds Safe E
Mallori Longevin - Green Mountain Animal Defenders
verybody loves the fresh Vermont air and sunshine, and cats are no different. However, the harsh reality is that domestic cats allowed outdoors are a dangerous threat to wild birds. There is much debate regarding the impact cats have on bird populations. According to the American Birds Conservancy, cats have contributed to the demise of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and they can negatively affect a variety of other wildlife. Allowing cats to roam free can also cause detrimental health problems to the cat. Outdoors, cats face hardships and injuries that indoor cats do not. Cats who go outdoors have to contend with predators, cars, diseases, leghold traps, poisons, and other dangers, as well as getting lost. In fact, cats who are allowed to roam freely are estimated to live only about half as long as indoor cats. A concern that cat guardians may have is how to entertain and stimulate their cats without letting them outside. Options include scratching posts, toys, and interactive playtime, which can make a world of difference. There is also the possibility of adopting another cat as a playmate. G reen Mountain Animal Defenders (GMAD) strongly recommends building an
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enclosure, known as a “catio” (https://bit. ly/outdoorcatios), which can be attached to your home and allow your cat to transition from inside to outside safely. Another way to exercise your cats outdoors is by taking them out on a harness. To keep cats and wildlife safe, you can install an enclosure, such as the Purr... fect Cat Fence (www.purrfect fence.com), which has created a unique product that claims to keep even “Houdini” cats from escaping. Made from a flexible material, it prohibits cats from climbing and can be attached to an existing fence or used as a freestanding fence. Fortunately there are many options that may help keep birds safe from outdoor cats. Using a breakaway cat collar with a bell attached may provide a warning of your cat’s presence. Birds Be Safe (www.birdsbesafe. com) has created a line of cat collars that utilize bright colors and patterns to make cats more visible to birds. Birds are able to see and potentially identify the brighter colors as a threat. Many types of birds will sound an alarm call that will warn other birds in the area of nearby danger. By keeping cats indoors as much as possible, especially at sunrise and sunset, when
most of the ground feeders are out, you will be protecting many birds from harm. Please remember that birds who have been bitten by cats need help from a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Cat saliva contains bacteria that is usually fatal to birds unless appropriate antibiotics are administered very soon after the injury.
Although cats play a role in the decline of bird populations, they are not the only danger. Chemicals are also a threat, so be sure to use natural fertilizers and avoid the use of pesticides. By planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers, you can create a natural, bird-friendly habitat. Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center researchers estimate somewhere between 100 million and 1 billion birds are killed by collisions every year. Birds fly into glass because they see a reflection of the surrounding environment and believe they are on a clear flight path. There are several preventative steps that you can take to stop birds from flying into your windows. If you have a bird feeder or bath, moving it to within three feet of your windows or a minimum of thirty feet away can help divert birds. Another solution is making your windows less reflective. Marking your windows with some washable paint or soap can be inexpensive and very effective. Using window screens and netting or adding some decals and reflective bird tape to your windows are also effective tools. Taking all necessary precautions should drastically cut down the probability of negative encounters, but what should you do if a bird flies into your window? Please check out this comprehensive step-by-step guide from the Humane Society of the US: https://bit.ly/birds-safe-windows. If you find an injured or orphaned bird or other wildlife, please check this list of Vermont wildlife rehabilitators for assistance: http://bit.ly/WildlifeRehabberListVT. For advice on keeping cats indoors, check out https://bit.ly/cats_indoors. For information on any animal-related issue, please visit www.gmad.info, or e-mail us at info@gmad.info. Working together and utilizing these tips can help create a safer environment for our furry and feathered friends! Fall 2020
