Proven Ways to Keep Cats and Wild

Proven Ways to Keep Cats and Wild Birds Safe Mallori Longevin - Green Mountain Animal Defenders

Everybody loves the fresh Vermont enclosure, known as a “catio” (https://bit. most of the ground feeders are out, you air and sunshine, and cats are no different. ly/outdoorcatios), which can be attached to will be protecting many birds from harm.

However, the harsh reality is that domesyour home and allow your cat to transition Please remember that birds who have been tic cats allowed outdoors are a dangerous from inside to outside safely. Another way bitten by cats need help from a wildlife threat to wild birds. There is much debate to exercise your cats outdoors is by taking rehabilitator immediately. Cat saliva conregarding the impact cats have on bird popthem out on a harness. tains bacteria that is usually fatal to birds ulations. According to the American Birds To keep cats and wildlife safe, you can unless appropriate antibiotics are admin

Conservancy, cats have contributed to the install an enclosure, such as the Purr... istered very soon after the injury. demise of birds, mammals, and reptiles, fect Cat Fence (www.purrfect fence.com), and they can negatively affect a variety of which has created a unique product that other wildlife. claims to keep even “Houdini” cats from

Allowing cats to roam free can also cause escaping. Made from a flexible material, detrimental health problems to the cat. Outit prohibits cats from climbing and can be doors, cats face hardships and injuries that attached to an existing fence or used as a indoor cats do not. Cats who go outdoors freestanding fence. have to contend with predators, cars, diseases, Fortunately there are many options that leghold traps, poisons, and other dangers, may help keep birds safe from outdoor cats. as well as getting lost. In fact, cats who are Using a breakaway cat collar with a bell allowed to roam freely are estimated to attached may provide a warning of your cat’s 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. Green Mountain Animal Defenders (GMAD) strongly recommends building an 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 pos sible, especially at sunrise and sunset, when 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 natu ral, 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! 60 4 Legs & a Tail Fall 2020