Sir David Attenborough has issued advice to the UK's 10 million cat owners following revelations from his BBC1 series Secret Gardens. The programme, part of the legendary naturalist's centenary birthday celebrations on the BBC last year, highlighted the significant threat domestic cats pose to garden birds. According to the series, Britain's cat population is estimated to kill around 55 million birds each year across the UK, as reported by Wales Online.
Attenborough's Simple Solution: A Bell on the Collar
In the programme, Attenborough said: "Across the British Isles, there are magical places, our gardens. Each is home to a cast of remarkable animals." He described British gardens as "almost as diverse as tropical rainforests" and noted that "our gardens cover a greater area than all of our national nature reserves combined." While he did not vilify cats, Attenborough suggested a straightforward measure to reduce their impact on birdlife: attaching a bell to a cat's collar. He stated that this can reduce cats' "hunting success by a third," as the bell gives birds a crucial alert that a predator is nearby, substantially reducing the chances of a successful attack.
Additional Steps: Timing and Feeder Placement
Another tip from Attenborough is to keep cats indoors during critical times, such as dusk and dawn, when birds are most active. These periods also coincide with optimal hunting times for cats. Making this small change can prevent innocent creatures from falling victim to feline instincts. Additionally, experts recommend placing bird feeders substantially higher up, well beyond reach of prowling pets, and at least 2 metres away from dense vegetation. While thick shrubbery can provide birds a quick escape route, it can also serve as a hidden ambush point for cats. Moving feeders to higher positions and greater distances from potential jumping-off points—such as decking, fences, or planters—will decrease the likelihood of cats treating the garden as hunting territory.
Enclosed Feeders for Extra Security
Another valuable recommendation is to use enclosed bird feeder designs, which provide an extra level of security for vulnerable birds while they visit the garden. These low-effort but remarkably successful modifications can turn an outdoor area into a true haven for wildlife, balancing the needs of pet cats and garden birds.
