As of 2025, about 49 million U.S. homes had at least one pet cat—which figures to anywhere from 32% to 39% of the American population.
There’s no question: Cats are lovable companions, and for many, a part of the family.
It’s also worth noting that, by design, cats are also efficient hunters—and when allowed to roam freely outdoors, it can have adverse impacts on surrounding wildlife (namely, birds), as well on cats, themselves.
Unfortunately, feral and free-roaming cats are the leading human-related cause of bird deaths across the globe, with 2.4 billion birds killed yearly by outdoor cats in the United States and Canada.
But while this toll is mounting, it’s also preventable.
In fact, cats live about twice as long as they normally would when sheltered properly—that is to say, not confined, but looked after in a way that prioritizes not only cats, but surrounding wildlife.
To help promote this, we’ve put together this guide of six practical solutions to help cats and birds near you:
Solutions to Help Cats & Birds, Alike
1. Get a Catio
Picture this: a patio, for your cat.
To keep cats and birds safe, cats don’t need to be (and really, shouldn’t be) inside all day. Instead, give a cat-patio—or, catio—a try.
These enclosures often have climbing structures for their enrichment, with little doors they can crawl into and out of, so that when you’re outside enjoying nature on your front or back porch, they can be right there with you, too.
2. Consider Converting Your Fence
When we adopt dogs, one of the first things we think of is to fence in our backyards so they can roam freely.
The same can also apply to cats.
Consider a partially converted fence that’s ideal for your cat; a few options are available at Oscillot, Easy Pet Fence, Cat Fence-In, Purrfect Fence, and ProtectaPet.
Converting your fence enables your pet to stretch their legs and roam freely, without impacting birds and surrounding wildlife.
3. Prioritize Indoor Enrichment
Speaking of stretching their legs, especially for folks in colder climates that can’t get their animals outside regularly, consider indoor enrichment activities that help stimulate their bodies and brain.
From walking wheels to elevated perches, the options are limitless; choose the best that work for you and your pet for some well-rounded enrichment.
4. Be Mindful of Bird Feeders
For cats, low bird feeders can be low-hanging fruit—literally.
Make sure your cat doesn’t get into the bird food—or the birds at your feeders—by ensuring feeders are raised high enough. This enables birds to feed and not put at risk by cats lurking nearby.
5. Leash Cats
Similar to dog fences, we’ve all heard of leashing dogs—but the option is there for cats, too.
Along with getting cats involved with enrichment activities, it’s great to leash them up and bring them around the neighborhood for some exercise, too.
6. Support Local Shelters
Are there stray, free-roaming cats near you? Contact your local animal shelter to help rehome them.
In Western New York, you can reach out to the SPCA Serving Erie County, but for other residents, a quick Google search can put you in touch with animal shelters near you.
How Helping Cats Helps Birds
All in all, taking small actions to help cats directly helps birds and the remainder of the ecosystem.
By ensuring cats are healthy, properly stimulated, and well-sheltered, it is possible to minimize deaths that occur by free-roaming and feral cats.
If you’d like to learn more about how to make your community safer for birds, visit the Buffalo Audubon and Bird-Friendly Buffalo websites and join our community! Stay updated on upcoming Bird-Friendly Buffalo programs and events, related reading, and so much more!
You can also take the Bird-Friendly Buffalo pledge to support Buffalo becoming a bird-friendly city, or schedule a program with a Buffalo Audubon expert to learn more about tangible solutions for making your business or community safer for birds.
Buffalo Audubon leads and inspires Western New Yorkers to connect with and protect the natural world through bird-focused activities, advocacy, and habitat restoration. Our organization launched the Bird-Friendly Buffalo movement in 2025, to help raise awareness and guide communities with practical solutions to build a bird-friendly city.
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