Quick Answer
While it may seem alarming to find your cat has caught and eaten a bird, this behavior is normal for cats. Cats are natural hunters with instincts to chase and kill small prey like birds. Eating birds does not necessarily mean your cat will get sick. However, there are some risks to be aware of. Overall, it’s best to take steps to discourage bird-hunting but not to panic if your cat manages to eat one from time to time.
Is it in a cat’s nature to hunt birds?
Cats are natural hunters equipped with excellent sight, hearing, and agility to catch fast-moving prey. Their instincts drive them to hunt even when well-fed. Small birds are common targets for cats since they can be caught more easily than larger animals. So finding bird remains, like feathers or feet, in your home or yard is not uncommon with a cat. Cats don’t only kill for food but also for entertainment and to satisfy their prey drive. While alarming, catching and eating birds is perfectly normal behavior for our furry feline friends.
Key Points
- Cats are born hunters with strong instincts to chase and kill small, fast prey like birds.
- Well-fed cats will still hunt for entertainment and to satisfy their prey drive.
- Finding bird remains in your home is common with cats and not necessarily a cause for concern.
Will my cat get sick from eating a bird?
Eating a bird does not automatically mean your cat will become ill. In many cases, cats can eat birds without any issue. However, there are some risks to be aware of:
Salmonella
Like raw chicken and eggs, whole birds potentially contain Salmonella bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. However, a healthy cat’s stomach acid usually destroys Salmonella before it causes illness.
Bones
Bird bones are small, brittle, and prone to splintering. Bone fragments can cause choking or damage the esophagus, stomach, and intestines if swallowed. This risk is lower with smaller songbirds but higher with larger birds like chickens.
Parasites and Diseases
Wild birds may carry parasites, like roundworms and tapeworms, or diseases like West Nile Virus. These can pass to cats who eat infected birds. However, the chances of illness are low.
Pesticides
Songbirds in urban areas may have pesticide residue on their feathers and feet from contaminated environments. Consuming enough of it could potentially sicken a cat.
Precautions for cats who catch birds
While it’s normal for cats to occasionally snack on a bird, there are some precautions cat owners should take:
- Have your vet perform regular parasite screening and deworming.
- Discourage hunting birds by keeping cats indoors or putting bells on their collars.
- If you see your cat catch a bird, check that no bones or parts are swallowed.
- Monitor for vomiting, lethargy and other signs of illness after bird-catching.
- Call your vet if you notice symptoms of illness.
Taking these steps will help keep risks low if your cunning feline manages to capture a bird.
How to stop cats from hunting birds
Preying on birds is a natural feline behavior, but that doesn’t mean we have to like it. Here are some humane ways to discourage bird-hunting:
Keep your cat indoors
Keeping kitty inside is the most effective way to protect local bird populations. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives as well. Make sure windows are screened or use deterrents like foil or plastic spikes on ledges to prevent climbing.
Put a bell on your cat’s collar
A bell warns birds of kitty’s approach, giving them a fighting chance to escape. Choose a larger, louder bell to give birds the best advantage.
Provide outdoor enrichment
Give outdoor access in a catio (cat patio) enclosure or train your cat to walk on a leash and harness. This provides environmental stimulation while keeping birds safe.
Use deterrent sprays
Non-toxic citrus or mint scented sprays applied to favorite hunting spots may deter your cat. Birds can smell the strong scents even if your cat can’t. Reapply frequently.
Limit outdoor time
If your cat can’t be deterred completely, at least restrict time outdoors to an hour or two per day when birds are least active. This will reduce hunting opportunities.
What to do if your cat catches a bird
Here are the steps to follow if you discover your sneaky kitty has caught a bird:
- Check your cat for any injuries sustained during capture.
- Carefully inspect the bird and release it if it is only stunned and not seriously injured. Wear thick gloves as a bite precaution.
- If the bird is dead or mortally wounded, gently retrieve the body from the cat.
- Confirm no bones, feathers, or bits were swallowed.
- Dispose of bird remains securely in a tied plastic bag in an outdoor trash can.
- Thoroughly clean any blood or feathers in the house to prevent re-exposure.
- Monitor your cat closely for the next few days for signs of illness.
- Call your vet if symptoms develop.
Following these steps helps minimize any risks from a cat eating birds. Don’t punish kitty for the incident since this is natural behavior. Instead, focus on prevention moving forward.
Risks to birds from outdoor cats
While bird-catching is normal cat behavior, it does threaten wild bird populations. Here are some sobering statistics:
- Cats kill between 1.3 to 4 billion birds per year in the U.S. alone.
- Cats are responsible for at least 33 avian species extinctions worldwide.
- Up to 80% of juvenile cat prey are fledgeling birds learning to fly.
Outdoor and feral cats are driving down songbird numbers. Even well-fed pets take a heavy toll through their hunting instincts. Supporting conservation efforts and keeping kitty indoors protects vulnerable bird populations.
The bottom line
Finding your cat snacking on a bird can be alarming but is usually not a cause for panic. While risks like parasites and bones exist, cats are well equipped to eat their natural prey without illness. Take sensible precautions, discourage future hunting, and keep an eye on kitty to be safe. With some common-sense measures, both birds and cats can coexist happily.
Conclusion
Cats naturally prey on birds but can usually eat them without negative health impacts. Take steps to prevent hunting and monitor your cat after bird-catching incidents. While disturbing, occasional bird-eating is normal cat behavior. However, the impact of outdoor cats on wild bird populations is substantial. For cat and bird well-being, it’s best to contain kitty’s hunting instincts indoors. With some care and precautions, cats and birds can safely coexist.