How do I stop cat catching birds

[BigGlasses]

My male(neutered) 2 year old cat has started catching birds. I know that's what cats do, but it there any way I can reduce/stop it? Those poor wee birds . And the mess! The kitchen was covered in feathers, blood and bird crap this morning. Which is blinking annoying but it's more the poor little birds being tortured and killed that I object to. I'm considering a collar and bell, but he is 2 and never had a collar and I don't think he would take to it. Is there any other tips anyone has to 'train' him out of catching birds and discourage him. He doesn't seem to catch mice, but wouldn't be that happy with him killing those either but at least they seem to die quickly, not the long drawn out affair (judging by the spread of feathers all over the place) that the poor birds suffer.

[wegweiser]

Listening with interest as we have the same!!

[LanguidLobster]

Does he have a cat flap?

If not I'd seriously consider a collar bell for when he goes outside

[LIVIA999]

I bought a collar and loads of bells from eBay and put as many on the collar as I can fit!

This year there has been much less death and destruction due in part to the bells.

Be prepared to get through loads of collars as the safety catches are always coming off. I bulk buy from eBay as much cheaper than pets at home etc.

[BigGlasses]

I'll buy some collars with bells I think. At least try them. He does have a cat flap which is chip activated and the collars may catch on that but at least they'll be lying on the back doorstep so they won't be lost. I love my furry ginger furbag, but he is a menace to birds!

[ErictheGuineaPig]

Yes, collar with bell here too. It's a quick release collar which means she shouldn't come to too much harm but also means we have to replace it regularly. It does seem to work though!

[LucheroTena]

Bells on collars really work.

[Wolfiefan]

Collars are a choke risk. Also a real risk of collar injuries. I wouldn't.
Keep your cat in at dawn and dusk.

[SpongeBobJudgeyPants]

If you still want a collar, then the ones with quick release catches are best. It means they don't get stuck anywhere, as the collar releases. You replace a lot of collars, but they are safer.

[AveABanana]

We have a quick release collar with bell. However we also live near a train line so she times a bird-run with a train going by and is still successful.

[Wolfiefan]

Quick release are safer but not safe.
I would never put a collar on a cat.

[sashh]

Keep him in dawn and dusk when birds are often active, easy in the summer as you need to keep him in overnight.

put egg shells under any tree/hedge 'hiding' places.

good luck.

I believe the only way to stop it is to not own a cat.