Sir David Attenborough has issued a simple yet effective call to action for the UK's millions of cat owners, urging them to take a small step that could save countless birds. With over 10 million pet cats in Britain, the beloved felines pose a significant threat to garden birds, killing an estimated 55 million each year.
A Simple Solution: The Bell Collar
In his recent BBC series Secret Gardens, part of his 100th birthday celebrations, Attenborough highlighted that fitting a bell to a cat's collar can reduce its hunting success by a third. The bell provides birds with a crucial warning, allowing them to escape before an ambush.
“Across the British Isles, there are magical places, our gardens. Each is home to a cast of remarkable animals,” said Attenborough. He noted that British gardens cover a larger area than all national nature reserves combined, making them vital habitats.
Additional Tips for Cat Owners
Beyond bells, Attenborough recommends bringing cats indoors during dawn and dusk, when birds are most active and cats are prime hunters. This simple adjustment can prevent unnecessary deaths.
Another expert-backed measure is to hang bird feeders at least two meters away from dense vegetation and high above potential launch points like fences or decking. Enclosed bird feeder designs offer extra protection.
These low-effort changes can transform gardens into safe havens for all wildlife, balancing the needs of pet cats and garden birds.
