What if we saved biodiversity from the claws of our cats?

More protein and play, less hunting? That’s what a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter in England seems to suggest!

Different methods tested to reduce predation in cats

If your feline friend has access to the outdoors, chances are you’ve already received a dead bird or mouse as a gift... Our cats are natural-born hunters, and it’s important to understand that this behavior is hardwired. Scolding or punishing them won’t change their predatory nature.

However, a team of British researchers recently tested the effectiveness of 5 different methods to reduce predatory behavior in cats.

The researchers selected 219 households with at least one cat that regularly hunts outdoors. Several techniques were tested, and the results were quite revealing!

Each household tested one method: a collar with a bell, a colorful "Birdsbesafe" collar cover, puzzle feeders, a grain-free diet with high-quality meat as the main protein source, or a recommendation to play with their cat for 5 to 10 minutes daily. A control group made no changes.

In total, 355 cats were observed. The number of prey killed was recorded over 12 weeks, before and after implementing one of the methods. The results were quite convincing…

Diet and play had a significant impact

Here are the methods tested and their results:

• Bell collars: designed to give auditory warning to prey, showed no measurable impact on predation.
• Birdsbesafe collar covers: brightly colored covers reduced bird predation by 42%, but had no significant effect on small mammal kills.
• Puzzle feeders: surprisingly, cats fed their usual food through puzzle feeders increased their predation by 33%.
• High-protein diet: cats fed a grain-free, protein-rich wet food with real meat (not by-products) showed a 36% reduction in hunting behavior.
• Play sessions: households that played with their cats for 5–10 minutes a day mimicking hunting behavior saw a 25% reduction in predation.

Dietary changes and play sessions significantly reduced the number of prey brought home compared to the control group.

This is promising! We could reduce our cats’ impact on biodiversity while improving their well-being and health.

Source: Current Biology / Provision of high meat content food and object play reduce predation of wild animals by domestic cats Felis Catus. Martina Cecchetti, Sarah L. Crowley, Cecily E.D. Goodwin, Robbie A. McDonald.