If you're looking for clever tips to keep your feline friend entertained while respecting the local wildlife, we're here to help. Say goodbye to unwanted surprises with these savvy solutions from PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing.
While not all cats will hunt wildlife, given the opportunity some will. Cats rarely hunt because they’re hungry as hunting is a natural part of being a cat and it’s important for their mental health.
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However, this definitely doesn’t have to mean hunting and killing wildlife though! There are lots of things owners can do to allow their cats to hunt while still protecting wildlife. Here are Nina's top tips:
How to stop cats hunting wildlife
- Keep your cat indoors at dawn and dusk - the prime hunting time for cats
- Avoid feeding birds in your garden where your cat can easily reach
- Feed them little and often on diets that are higher in protein – puzzle feeders can be great
- Ensure they have lots to keep them entertained at home. Here's some ideas for homemade cat toys that will entertain felines for hours.
- Play with them using toys that mimic their prey behaviour to satisfy their natural desire to hunt – short sessions of play are best... and don't forget to finish with a small reward.
Does a bell help stop cats killing wildlife?
Whilst bells attached to cat collars could help to alert wildlife to a cat's presence, it’s important to be aware that bells can be hazardous to your cat.
Just like the potential risks associated with collars – they should always have a quick release catch – bells can also easily get caught, causing your cat to become stuck, so only attach them to collars that easily release.
In fact, many cats continue to hunt and kill 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.
Love cats? Check out our pets section for advice on cat care, from how to take your cat to the vet without stress to how to get rid of fleas and even how to stop cats pooping in your garden
About the PDSA
The PDSA is the UK's leading vet charity, providing free and low-cost treatment to pets in need. PDSA vets and vet nurses provide veterinary care and advice to sick and injured pets whose owners otherwise couldn’t afford to pay the full cost of treatment.
To find out more about cats, including feeding, health and behaviour, visit pdsa.org.uk/cats