September 17, 2022, 8:18 am | Read time: 5 minutes

Even well-fed cats can occasionally have their innate hunting instinct kick in. Although this instinct is not as strong today due to breeding, certain prey animals can still prompt cats to jump off balconies or climb trees, depending on their mood. Of course, not all cats are equally eager to hunt. Their age and health also affect their hunting behavior. It’s important to know that cats are following their natural instincts—and sometimes can’t help but hunt birds, mice, and the like. In the past, cats were even kept on farms for this very reason: to keep the population of such small animals as low as possible. Therefore, you should not be angry with your pet if it brings birds home. For the animal itself, this is completely normal behavior. But what can an owner do if the cat brings birds and you want to stop the hunting?

Cat Brings Birds Home–Preventive Measures

Especially when your cat hunts native songbirds, it can be unpleasant for the owner. Not only because you have to dispose of the dead animal somehow, but also because many species are already endangered. If your cat regularly brings its prey home, you should definitely take preventive measures as an owner.

How Do I Prevent My Cat from Catching Birds?

• Bird feeders and bird food, such as suet balls, should be placed or hung in the garden out of the cat’s reach. This can prevent the animal from “poaching” in its own territory.
• Bird baths in the garden should also be “cat-proof.” Models embedded in the ground or small fountains are dangerous, as the cat can quickly and easily catch the bird there. A hanging or pedestal bird bath is better.
• If there is a bird’s nest in the tree or birds regularly visit the hanging birdhouse, a special cat deterrent belt for the tree trunk is useful, as it makes the treetop safer for birds.
• Many cats hunt birds at night. A lockable cat flap prevents the animal from roaming around in the dark. However, ideally, you should get your pet used to staying home at night early on.

Also interesting: Recognizing and Getting Rid of Parasites in Cats

How Do I React Properly When My Cat Brings Birds and Other Prey into the House?

Most cat owners know it: On the morning walk to the kitchen, your appetite for breakfast is spoiled by the sight of a dead (or still living) bird. But how do you best react in such a shocking moment?

Do Not Punish the Cat

When the cat hunts small animals outside, most cat owners don’t mind. But as soon as the outdoor cat brings its prey inside through the cat flap, alarm bells ring. Still, you shouldn’t scold the cat in such a moment, as it is simply following its innate instincts. Otherwise, the animal will only be unnecessarily confused by the reaction. It’s best to dispose of the prey directly, and if it happens often, you need to think about preventive measures as a cat owner. Because teaching the cat not to hunt is almost impossible, especially for outdoor cats. Instead, it’s much more effective to keep the cat indoors at night or make your garden safer for birds.

More on the topic

Expert Clarifies Do Cats Get Bored When Home Alone?

Too Little, Too Rough, Too Boring Eight Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes When Playing With Their Cat

What Can I Do If My Cat’s Prey Is Still Alive?

The cat’s little gift can only be disposed of if it is no longer alive. But what should a cat owner do if the bird is not yet dead? Somewhat macabre, but in some cases the best choice: If the cat is still playing with the severely injured bird, it may be wise to wait for its death. Depending on the extent of its injuries, the bird would otherwise die painfully, which would be worse for the animal than a quick death.

Also interesting: Found an Injured Wild Animal–What You Should Do

If the cat lets go of the bird early enough or if it is only slightly or moderately injured, you can quickly bring it to safety from the cat. However, you should never simply release injured birds into the wild. The risk that they will die within a few days is too high. The better alternative: Take the bird to a nearby veterinarian. Generally, before handling the prey, you should put on household gloves and have a transport box—such as a shoebox—ready.

Sources

• Miamor.de, “My Cat Catches Birds–What Can I Do?” (accessed on 8/1/2022)
• SWR.de, “What to Do When the Cat Brings Birds and Mice?” (accessed on 8/1/2022)
• Einfachtierisch.de, “Cat Brings Mouse: Handling Your Furry Friend’s ‘Gifts'” (accessed on 8/1/2022)