How to Keep Cats From Eating Birds

Cats are opportunistic feeders and often give into their natural instincts to hunt and catch birds. While it may seem like a harmless act of nature, eating birds may be harmful for your cat. A trapped bird will fight back, pecking and scratching your cat. Some birds are also infested with parasites that can infect and sicken your feline predator. Keeping your cat from eating birds prevents injuries to both your cat and roaming birds.

Things You'll Need

  • Motion-activated sprinkler
  • Cat harness
  • 30-foot-long leash
  • 4-foot-long wooden dowels
  • Hammer
  • Chicken wire
  • Zip ties
  • Bird netting
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your cats indoors. Not only does this prevent your cat from catching and eating passing birds, it also prevents them from being attacked by stray dogs and other invading predators.

    • 2

      Set up a motion-activated sprinkler in areas frequented by birds to chase them off before your cat catches them. Push the sprinkler into the ground and hook the hose to the port at the bottom. Turn the sprinkler on and leave it running during daylight hours. When a stray bird lands too close to the sprinkler, it gets sprayed with a jet of water, scaring it away before it becomes a kitty treat.

    • 3

      Fit your cat with a harness and hook it to a 30-foot-long leash if your cat insists on going outside. Walk outside with your cat, unreeling the leash and allowing your feline friend to roam under supervision. If your cat fights the harness or tries to pull it off, put it on the cat in the house and let the cat get used to the harness before moving outside.

    • 4

      Erect a cat fence to keep your cat in and offending birds out. Hammer a number of 4-foot-long wooden dowels into the ground, and attach chicken wire to the dowels with zip ties. Cover the top of the chicken wire fence with bird netting, connecting the wire and netting with a few more zip ties. Lift one corner of the fence and place the cat inside to enjoy the fresh air without fear of eating any passing feathered friends.