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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/cats and birds
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Question
We would like to get a cat but have a lot of birds in our garden and encourage them by feeding regularly.
Is there a breed of cat which is not "interested" in birds?
Jim,
Birds are a natural prey of a cat.
Some cats are aggressive hunters and others just like to watch them and pretend to try and catch one. It all depends on the personality of the cat, what traits are inherited, and how much you feed the cat. A well-fed cat is not as likely to try and catch a bird for food. They may try to catch one for fun though. It also depends on how much time you spend playing with your cat. A bored cat is more likely to chase birds than one that gets worn out with play.
Keep your feeders higher up. Do not feed the birds on the ground. If you do, then keep the cat inside while you feed the birds and let the cat watch out the window.
I've never heard of a certain breed that doesn't like birds but keep in mind that Calico cats (especially tortiseshell calicos) are notorious hunters. On the other side of the coin, I have never heard of a Magpie getting caught by a cat! They are very cat-smart.
Tabbi
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you. A clear reply with good advice. Jim | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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