Sir David Attenborough has urged cat owners across the UK to make a simple yet effective change to protect garden birds. The renowned naturalist highlighted that Britain's 10 million pet cats kill an estimated 55 million birds annually.
The Simple Solution
In his latest BBC series Secret Gardens, which aired as part of his 100th birthday celebrations, Attenborough recommended fitting a bell to a cat's collar. This inexpensive addition can reduce hunting success by a third, giving birds a warning of a predator's approach.
Additional Recommendations
Attenborough also advised keeping cats indoors during dawn and dusk when birds are most active. These times coincide with cats' peak hunting hours. Other tips include:
- Placing bird feeders at least 2 metres away from thick vegetation
- Positioning feeders higher up, beyond a cat's reach
- Using enclosed feeder designs for extra protection
By making these small adjustments, cat owners can help transform their gardens into safe havens for all wildlife.
