Why Cats Hunt Birds
Cats hunt birds because it is part of their natural instinctual behavior as predators. Hunting is not motivated by hunger alone, as many well-fed cats will still hunt when given the opportunity. Birds make for easy prey for cats due to their size and vulnerability during daytime hours when they are active searching for food (Purina). Cats are most successful at catching birds during the day when the birds are out in the open and easier for cats to ambush.
Cats are natural hunters and predators, so even though they do not need to hunt birds for survival when living with humans, they retain those innate instincts (GardenBird). Their mothers teach them hunting skills from a very young age, making it a natural part of a cat’s development and behavior. With quick reflexes and an ability to stalk prey quietly before attacking, cats are adept bird hunters.
When Cats Are Most Active
Cats tend to be most active during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk. According to DDFL.org, cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. This is likely an evolutionary adaptation as many of their prey species, like small rodents, are also most active at these times.
However, while dawn and dusk are peak activity times, domestic house cats can still hunt and roam during the day. As OurCatsWorld.com notes, cats may simply have more success catching prey at dawn and dusk when competition is lower. So even though cats are capable of hunting birds and other small animals during daylight hours, they may only do so if easy opportunities present themselves.
Bird Behavior During the Day
During the daytime hours, birds are most active as they go about their daily routines. Birds spend a large portion of their day foraging and searching for food. According to https://learnbirdwatching.com/what-do-birds-do-all-day-long/, birds can spend over half their waking hours foraging and eating. Birds have high metabolisms and must consume large amounts of food each day to survive.
In addition to eating, birds engage in nest building, singing, preening feathers, dust bathing, sunning, and socializing during the day. Mated birds will work together to build nests out of twigs, grass, moss, and other materials. Singing is important for defending territories and attracting mates. Preening feathers helps keep plumage in good condition. Dust bathing removes parasites and sunning helps regulate body temperature. Social interactions occur within flocks and mated pairs.
The increased activity during daylight hours makes birds more noticeable and vulnerable to predators like cats. Birds are often focused on feeding and nesting tasks and can be unaware of nearby threats. Their movement and vocalizations during the day also gives away their location. However, many birds remain vigilant and ready to take flight at the first sign of danger.
Successful Bird Hunting
Cats rely on stealthy and patient stalking techniques to successfully hunt birds during the day. They use their agility to creep up slowly without being detected, getting as close to their prey as possible before attacking (Source). Cats have evolved to move silently and stay low in vegetation to avoid scaring off potential catches. Their camouflaged fur helps them blend into surroundings while stalking.
Cats also take birds by surprise, waiting patiently for the right moment to pounce and often launching their attack from hiding spots. They have quick reflexes that allow them to explode into action to grab unsuspecting birds from branches, feeders, or the ground (Source). Their ability to leap high gives cats an advantage in catching birds mid-flight.
With lightning-fast speed and agile bodies designed for hunting, cats can spring upward to swat birds from the air. Their dexterity and sharp claws make successfully snatching a bird in motion achievable for an experienced and well-fed feline predator.
Preventing Cats From Catching Birds
The most effective way to prevent cats from catching birds is to keep cats indoors or supervise their time outside. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives and cannot hunt birds or other wildlife. If cats do go outside, they should be supervised or kept in an outdoor enclosure to restrict their hunting opportunities.
Putting bells on a cat’s collar can help warn birds of the cat’s presence, but bells are not foolproof. One study found bells only reduced hunting success by about 50%. Birdsbesafe “cat bibs” that cover more of the cat’s body may work better than bells alone. Using a combination of bells, bibs, and supervision is most effective.
Ultrasonic devices, motion detectors, and other deterrents can also help startle and scare away birds when a cat is present. However, these deterrents are not always 100% effective either, so taking steps to physically restrict a cat’s access to birds is still important.
With supervision, deterrents, and keeping cats’ outdoor time limited, cat owners can help protect local bird populations and keep cats content as well.
Impact on Bird Populations
Cats are prolific predators that can have a devastating impact on bird populations. According to a study published in Nature Communications, free-ranging domestic cats in the United States alone kill between 1.3-4 billion birds annually. Another report from the American Bird Conservancy estimates the number may be as high as 2.4 billion birds per year in the U.S.
This incredible amount of predation puts many species at risk, especially endangered birds. Cats are an invasive species that have contributed to the extinction of 33 bird species. Their hunting activities continue to threaten rare birds like the Florida Scrub-Jay and Black-capped Vireo.
To mitigate the impact of cats on birds, it’s important to control cat populations. Keeping cats indoors, implementing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, and restricting cat colonies in sensitive habitats can help reduce predation. Bird lovers can also make their yards more bird-friendly by providing food, water, and native plants to help offset cat-related deaths.
Risks to Cats When Hunting
Hunting birds and other prey can pose some risks to cats. One is the potential for injury from prey fighting back. Birds like hawks, herons, and owls have talons that can scratch or puncture a cat during capture. Smaller birds can still peck and claw in self-defense. Even a squirrel or rabbit can bite or scratch a cat.[1]
Another concern is toxins or diseases cats may ingest from eating prey. Some birds and rodents can carry parasites, bacteria, or viruses that could make a cat sick if ingested. Eating a poisoned or diseased animal puts cats at risk of becoming ill themselves. Proper preventive care from a vet can reduce these risks.
While hunting instincts are strong in cats, the wellbeing risks point to the importance of keeping cats safely indoors. This protects local wildlife as well as the health of pet cats.
Benefits of Hunting for Cats
Hunting provides important enrichment for cats and allows them to act on their natural instincts. As primarily carnivorous animals evolved to hunt small prey, hunting satisfies a cat’s innate drive to stalk, chase, and catch.
Cats that have opportunities to hunt are often calmer and more content overall. The process provides mental stimulation and physical exercise for indoor cats. Outdoor cats that successfully catch prey can benefit nutritionally as well.
Hunting rodents also helps cats serve as natural pest control. A 2019 study found that the mere presence of cats helps suppress rat and mice populations in urban areas (https://www.cell.com/frontiers-in-ecology-and-evolution/fulltext/S2505-8981(19)30065-6). Letting cats hunt vermin outdoors prevents these animals from infesting human homes.
While hunting does come with risks, it’s crucial for a cat’s wellbeing. As responsible pet owners, we must find ways to allow cats an outlet for their natural behaviors in a safe, controlled manner.
Training Cats Not to Hunt
One of the most effective ways to curb a cat’s instinct to hunt is to provide adequate stimulation and enrichment at home. Cats have a strong natural drive to hunt, so cat owners need to find ways to satisfy this need through play, exercise, and environmental enrichment.
Good cat toys that allow your pet to express their predatory behaviors in appropriate ways include fishing rod toys, automated laser toys, puzzle feeders and treat balls. Dedicate time each day to playing with your cat using wand toys that let them pounce and chase. Cats also need vertical space to climb and perches to survey their territory from up high.
Interactive play is very important to satisfying a cat’s hunting instinct. Additionally, leaving out toys for independent play when you’re not available can help curb boredom and the desire to hunt. Providing scratching posts, cat trees, hiding boxes and other enrichments also gives cats appropriate outlets.
Deterrent sprays like BoundaryTM and SSSCAT® can be lightly sprayed on plants or areas you want to discourage access to. When the cat nears the sprayed area, it emits an odorless stench that cats dislike, teaching them to avoid the area.
Conclusion
In summary, cats are natural hunters and many enjoy catching birds during the day when they are active outdoors. Birds tend to be most vulnerable during the day when they are flying low searching for food. While cats catching birds can negatively impact some bird populations, owners can take steps to reduce hunting through training, supervision, and providing an enriched indoor environment.
The key takeaway for cat owners is that keeping cats indoors or supervised when outside, and providing frequent playtime and environmental enrichment indoors, can help satisfy their predatory instincts. This protects both the cats from any dangers outdoors, and local bird populations from declining. With some effort, owners can allow cats to enjoy the outdoors safely while also preserving birds in their yard and neighborhood.