Domestic cats kill hundreds of millions of birds in this country every year. Because of this, the Avian Science Center encourages responsible cat ownership. Below we highlight three efforts addressing this important biodiversity issue. Also, the following recent article from Biological Conservation sheds more light on this issue: Landowners and cat predation across rural-to-urban landscapes). And on January 5, 2007 National Public Radio reported on this issue and what The American Bird Conservancy is doing to increase our understanding of this significant threat to wildbirds. Listen to NPR's report and see below.
American Bird Conservancy
Through their Cats Indoors! campaign, the American Bird Conservancy encourages cat owners to keep their cats indoors, on a leash, or in outdoor enclosures or cat runs. Visit their web site to learn what actions you can take, download fact sheets and other information, or read more about the devestating effects domestic cats have on bird populations. .
The Cat Bib 
Here’s another option and a real success story! Amy, the ASC's Assistant Director adopted her cat, Paka, from the Humane Society. Much to her dismay, Paka turned out to be quite the bird predator. Amy tried keeping her indoors, attaching bells to her collar, and she even contemplated returning the cat, but someone else (who cared less about birds) would likely adopt her. Finally, after a bit of research, she happened on the perfect solution: the “CatBib”!
We don’t generally make product endorsements, but to save birds we’ll go out on a limb! This bib really works! Amy’s cat wears it every day in the spring and summer and takes it off while inside at night. It doesn’t inhibit other activities, but when she tries to pounce on a wild bird, the bib simply gets in the way!
And now there is even real data that supports the effectiveness of the CatBib. Read the latest from the journal Biological Conservation (June 2007).
A quote from the Cat Bib web page www.catgoods.com
“Have birds in your yard AND let your cat outdoors. An easy to use, unique product that stops cats from catching wild birds. Invented by a bird feeding, cat lover. It protects wild birds whenever your cat is outdoors. Your neighbors will thank you. The birds will love you.”
See AUDUBON magazine, Jan-Feb 2008 issue: Disarming Cats. The article says: "Wearing a bib....would be good for the estimated millions of birds and other animals killed each year by domestic cats."
The Wildlife Society
The Wildlife Society also has information about the impacts of cats on wildlife. Read their position statement on feral and free-ranging domestic cats.
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