Sir David Attenborough has urged UK cat owners to fit a bell to their pet's collar this summer, a measure that can cut cats' "hunting success by a third" and help protect garden birds.
The advice came during his BBC1 programme Secret Gardens, part of the naturalist's centenary birthday celebrations. In the show, Attenborough highlighted the importance of British gardens, noting that "some British gardens are almost as diverse as tropical rainforests" and that "our gardens cover a greater area than all of our national nature reserves combined."
He also revealed that Britain's substantial cat population is estimated to kill around 55 million birds each year across the UK.
Simple Solutions to Protect Birds
Attenborough suggested that fitting a bell to a cat's collar provides birds with a vital warning that predators are nearby, significantly lowering the likelihood of a successful attack.
Another recommendation is to bring cats indoors during dusk and dawn, when birds are most vulnerable and cats are most likely to hunt.
Additional Expert-Backed Measures
Bird feeders should be placed considerably higher up, at least two metres away from dense vegetation. Thick shrubbery can offer birds a swift escape route, but it can also serve as a concealed ambush spot for cats.
Repositioning feeders away from potential launch points such as decking, fencing, and planters will also reduce the chances of cats using the garden as a hunting ground. Switching to covered bird feeder models offers an additional layer of protection.
These simple adjustments can transform outdoor spaces into sanctuaries for wildlife.
