Ruffled Grouse killed by cat

Cat bites

Birds that have been bitten by cats need help immediately. Cat saliva contains bacteria that is usually fatal to birds unless appropriate antibiotics are administered very soon after the injury. Cat predation is a major threat to bird populations, especially those already on the decline due to habitat loss. Please keep your cats inside - for the safety of both your pets and the birds.

Lincoln's Sparrow killed by cat

For more information, see:

• The Cats Indoors! Campaign, sponsored by the American Bird Conservancy
• Facts on Cats and Wildlife (427KB PDF), from the University of Maine's Habitat Fact Sheet Series
• The Poacher Approach, Avian Haven's ethical-hunting argument for keeping cats indoors

Although keeping cats indoors is the best practice, a compromise for pet owners who are unwilling or unable to do so is a bib that reduces successful pouncing; it is sold by Cat Goods, Inc.