How to stop cats killing birdlife.
Cats may be sweet when on our laps, but they kill over 18 million animals every year!
It is estimated that there are over 1.2 million domestic cats in New Zealand. They are our most popular companion animals. Our furry friends may have the sweetest temperament when cuddled up on our laps, but don't let that fool you, they are built to kill, killing over 18 million animals every year!
Cats in New Zealand.
The first cats to come to New Zealand were on board Captain James Cook's ship, the HMS Endeavour. Since then they have become a major preditor to our NZ birds as well as other species such as bats, lizards and insects.
Since their introduction, cats have been implicated in the extinction of 21 of the 43 endemic bird species that have occurred in New Zealand in the last 800 years.
Cats are natural predators and our NZ native birds are no match for them. They are also known to hunt even when they aren’t hungry, so even a well-fed cat can still cause a significant impact on its local wildlife.
How to be a responsible cat owner.
Kohab’s Chief Mouser Pip has two bells on her color to help keep our local birds safe.
1. Keep your cat inside.
The best practice is to keep your cat inside all day, but if this isn't for you, then keep them in during nighttime and early morning. This will have a big impact on their kill rate as these are the times they kill the most.
Hana is modeling a homemade cat scrunchy which helps the birds see her coming reducing her kill rate.
2. Feed them lots of protein.
And feed them a high protein meat diet, this is said to reduce their desire to kill, although this won't stop them killing it could reduce their kill rate.
3. Put a bell on your cat - or maybe two
Put a collar and bell on your cat – a cat with a bell on is said to kill 50% less wildlife. Kohab has a range of cat bells that can be added to a collar, you may find some cats need more than one (Pip, Kohab's Chief Mouser has two on her collar).
4. Make your cat visible.
Cat scrunchies are a fairly new concept. These bright colours are designed so that birds can easily see them coming. Or try a Cat Bib.
5. Get your cat neutered.
Help reduce the number of unwanted cats and get your cat neutered.
5. Report stray or feral cats.
Report stray or feral cats to your local cat shelter. Each local area will have a set protocol for how to deal with them and the shelter can provide you with the latest information.
If you undertake a few of these simple tips you can help reduce, or maybe even eliminate your cats kill rate enabling the birdlife you kohabit with really thrive. Good luck!
