Cats are killing birds at my feeder - how can I stop them?

Question

There is a Cat that keeps coming to my bird feeder and killing song birds, what can I do about this? How can I stop this cat?

Answer 1

Do not kill them..Humans kill birds to eat too..Had any good turkey or fried chicken lately?Make the bird feeder pole higher and I like the barb wire suggestion wrapped around it here too...
Possible Solutions for Protecting Birds

Although the real solution lies in reducing the numbers of outdoor cats, bird lovers can take steps to thwart an attack in their backyard, notes Susan Wells, executive director of the National Bird-Feeders Society.


The first line of defense is to buy the right feeder, one that is enclosed in a basket or cage. The feeder (or bath, for that matter) should have an opening just big enough for the bird to enter.


Place the feeder or bath near, but not in, bushes and shrubs. Once a bird senses the approach of a cat, he will sound the alarm and he and his friends can escape into the thicket. Some have suggested that evergreen trees work well because they provide cover all year long.


Never place a feeder or bath on the ground or too close to a tree, which provides cats with a jump-off point. It's best to keep a feeder about 4 yards from any tree or object that can be used by a cat.

Even if a cat can't get to a feeder, he may hang around in the hope of catching a bird, Wells said. Their presence can scare away birds. Wells said that scattering citrus peels around the yard will keep cats away. "Members say that lemon or orange peels seem to work best," she said.

Answer 2

Move the feeder to a higher place and put lots of higher perches around so that the cat can't get to them as easily.

Perhaps putting some cat food out for him would attract his interest and get him away from the birds.

Answer 3

you know how peole put cheap wiring aroung young trees. you could do the same if it stands. You could move it to a place after words where the cat couldn't come about from a higher direction like a tree. You could place it up higher if it hangs. It would depend on where it is.
Yard, no tres : wire mesh
Yard, trees (hanging): move it and put a special wiring mesh around the limb and at the botom of the feeder. tree guard cat fence-in is the name, www.catfencein.com
now if it around th house hanging or standing you could gett thin babwire around it. Birds wouldn't get hurt, but of corse if the cat is a stray.
If it is a neighbor cat. talk to them and tell them about your problem, offer solutions like a underground " fence" to keep them in the area. It would sap the cat when crossing the line, cord. But i would still after word keep the mesh up just in case

Answer 4

Stop feeding the birds! YOU are creating the problem by doing this. Birds will naturally stay in trees away from lower areas but you are attracting them to areas where they can be caught by cats.

You are interfering with nature and leading to cats and birds being killed!

Answer 5

if your cats are left outside for the night,which a lot of cat owners do,than they are fair game on getting hurt or killed if they wonder into a yard that birds are feeding.if you want a cat keep it in the house so it doesn't harm a bird.

Answer 6

you cant stop cats killing birds its life i love my cats i love birds but i do not put out bird food if i know they are at risk

Answer 7

what the cat is doing is perfectly natural for him. cats are hunting nimals, and since it is not ur pet, do not touch it, feed it ,etc. if it is a stray, and be absolutely sure that it is, you can call the spca. or just get rid of your feeder. all your doig is suplying the cat with things to hunt. you can try to move it, but the cat will probly find a way.

Answer 8

cats belong tied up or in the house same as dogs...when they come to my feeder i zap em with my red rider bb gun...wont kill em but it will sting...my bird feeder is not your cats smorgasbord...

Answer 9

Kill the cat!

Answer 10

kill them!!! lol