Advice · 4 min read · Updated 6 November 2026
Catios and wildlife: can an enclosure protect garden birds?
How much do UK cats hunt?
There are roughly 10 to 12 million pet cats in the UK. A widely quoted survey by the Mammal Society estimated that cats in Britain caught around 90 million prey items over a single spring and summer, including around 25 to 30 million birds, with small mammals such as mice, voles and shrews making up the majority. Estimates vary because they rely on what cats bring home, and many catches are eaten or left elsewhere.
Hunting varies hugely between individual cats. Young cats and cats in rural or edge-of-town areas tend to catch more, while many older or urban cats catch very little.
Hunting is an instinct rather than a sign of hunger. Well-fed cats still hunt, so feeding more does not on its own stop a cat catching wildlife, though some trials suggest a high-meat diet and daily play can reduce it.
What the evidence says about bird populations
The RSPB's position is that, while cats kill large numbers of birds, there is no clear scientific evidence that this is causing national declines in most garden bird species, partly because many of the birds caught would have died from other causes. Habitat loss, food supply and weather are seen as bigger drivers.
Locally the picture can be different. Cats can have a real impact on fledglings in spring, on ground-nesting birds, and on species with small local populations. Many owners also simply prefer not to have their cat bring in wildlife.
Cats also catch frogs, slow worms, lizards and bats. Bats and some reptiles are protected species, and a cat that regularly brings in bats should be kept in at dusk. Any injured bat found should be handled with gloves and the Bat Conservation Trust helpline or a local rescue contacted, because bat bites can carry disease.
Comparing ways to reduce hunting
| Method | How well it works | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Secure catio | Stops hunting almost entirely while inside | Cost, needs space |
| Cat-proof garden fencing | Stops hunting beyond the boundary | Birds visiting your own garden still at risk |
| Keeping cats in at dawn and dusk | Cuts catches at peak hunting times | Needs a routine, cat may protest |
| Bell on a quick-release collar | Reduces catches in some studies | Collars carry a small injury risk |
| Bright collar covers | Reduces bird catches in some trials | Less effect on mammals |
| More play and meaty food | Some studies show fewer catches | Results vary by cat |
Designing a wildlife-friendly catio
- Use fine enough mesh to keep the cat in and stop birds getting trapped inside
- Place feeders and bird baths well away from the catio and any perches the cat can see from
- Avoid putting the catio next to hedges where birds nest
- Keep a solid lower panel on sides facing feeders so the cat is less fixated
- Check the enclosure for trapped birds or hedgehogs before closing up
If you fence the whole garden, leave a small hedgehog gap at ground level in a section the cat cannot reach, or speak to your installer about protected gaps. Hedgehogs need to travel between gardens to find food and mates.
Will my cat be frustrated?
Cats that are used to hunting may be restless at first. Daily play with wand toys that mimic birds and mice, food puzzles and a varied catio layout help satisfy the urge to stalk and pounce. Many owners find their cat settles quickly once it has a routine and plenty to watch.
Catio, full garden fence or both?
Which option is better for wildlife depends on your garden. A fully cat-proofed garden gives the cat a large territory, but birds and hedgehogs that come into your garden are still within reach. A catio limits the cat to a smaller area but protects visiting wildlife almost completely.
| Garden type | Wildlife-friendly approach |
|---|---|
| Garden backing onto fields or woodland | Catio, as boundaries are long and wildlife is plentiful |
| Urban garden with feeders | Catio, or cat-proof fence with feeders moved out of reach |
| Large garden with pond | Catio near the house, keep the pond area outside the enclosure |
| Small enclosed courtyard | Cat-proofing the boundary often works well |
Whichever you choose, the most effective step for garden birds is controlling where the cat can go at the times birds are most vulnerable. Pairing a catio with a dawn and dusk routine indoors covers both.
Frequently asked questions
Do bells on collars stop cats catching birds?
Bells can reduce the number of birds and mammals a cat brings home, but they do not stop hunting entirely, and some cats learn to move quietly. If you use a collar, choose a quick-release safety collar that opens if it catches on something. A catio or cat-proof fence is far more effective if preventing hunting is your main aim.
When are birds most at risk from cats?
Spring and early summer, when fledglings leave the nest and spend time on the ground or in low branches, are the riskiest times. Dawn and dusk are peak hunting periods for many cats. Keeping cats in or inside a catio at these times, especially from April to July, makes a noticeable difference.
Can a catio harm wildlife?
It can if poorly designed. Large mesh can let small birds in and then trap them, and loose netting can tangle birds and hedgehogs. Use a suitable mesh size, keep everything tight, and check the enclosure regularly. Built well, a catio is one of the most wildlife-friendly ways to give a cat outdoor time.
wildlife birds hunting garden
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