The nuthatch delivered to our back door with a slit throat proved the point that a study reported in Nature Communications makes: cats kill birds. Lots of them.
While we appreciate Lauren McGue’s concern with the idea of unhappy cats being kept indoors all day, (‘In defense of cats being outdoors, Nov. 30) scientists report between one and four billion birds are killed annually in the U.S. by free-ranging domestic cats. The predators are both feral and owned. Keeping beloved cats indoors would lead to far fewer bird deaths.
Greenfield bird lovers try all sorts of tricks to repel cats from our feeders in winter: hot pepper sprays, electronic alarms, water guns and chicken wire. We often run outside screaming like lunatics if we see a cat approaching our busy feeders. Sadly, none of these tactics work for very long.
But cat safety alternatives do exist. One notable option is the BirdsBeSafe collar developed by a Vermont biologist. Unhappy with her cat’s predatory ways, she came up with a bright, fabric collar that one of our cat-owning neighbors says works very well. Birds can see it from a distance and have time to fly away.
Ms. McGue makes an excellent point that habitat loss and chemical use is a huge factor in species decline. But by creating engaging indoor settings and using colorful collars for their feline friends, cat owners have a unique opportunity to help turn the tide on wild bird declines. What an excellent way to start the New Year.
Mieke Bomann and Jeff Meckling
Greenfield