AskPippa🇨🇦1d ago

Keep your cats indoors. They'll disagree with you, but eventually will resign to the all-indoor and not-killing-small-wildlife lifestyle.
Many #bird populations are on the decline. Every small bit of help we can give makes a difference. In most places #cats are not native to the region and have an unfair advantage.

#ecology #birds #ecosystem

https://www.cbc.ca/news/climate/what-on-earth-cats-birds-9.7141192

How many birds do cats actually kill? | CBC Climate Change News

In this issue of our environmental newsletter, we get the latest scientific estimate of how many birds cats kill each year; check out the forecast for this year's El Niño; and find out what's in the e-waste Canadians throw out (hint: a lot of good stuff).

CBC
Show threadTheresa21h ago
@AskPippa my neighbour used to walk his cat on leash everyday! Catios are another way to let kitties have outdoor time. Thoughts on bells?
Show threadNiklas Zenit5h ago
@TheresaReason @AskPippa Good point, of course let's not forget the bells...
Show threadAskPippa🇨🇦5h ago

@kwadranten @TheresaReason Bells do help somewhat. Studies vary in terms of how much..

A study "published in the Journal of Zoology, found cat bells to be effective in protecting birds, but others suggest a reduction of only 30% to 50%."

..."Many cats continue to hunt successfully despite wearing a bell – as they tend to hunt by staying completely still then pouncing suddenly when they spot prey, so the bell is often not enough warning," explains..."

https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/pets/a46547098/should-cats-wear-bell-collars/

Cats vs garden birds: Should cats wear bells to help warn wildlife? We ask the experts

Cats in Amsterdam could soon start wearing bell collars to help protect birds and wildlife. Do cats like wearing collars? We asked the vets.

Country Living
Show threadNiklas Zenit4h ago
@AskPippa @TheresaReason Another good point. (Where would we be without science?) In addition: Acoustic Confusion: The high-frequency noise of a bell (1,000–3,000 Hz) can overlap with bird communication, masking real alarm calls from their parents.
Show threadAskPippa🇨🇦
@kwadranten @TheresaReason Wow, interesting!
6:57pmWeb