Will bells prevent cat attacks on wildlife?

#MiddleburyCT #Cats #Bells #Wildlife

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m writing about your recent article on the pack of outdoor cats that had started hunting in the person’s yard. This person was looking for ways to keep birds and other small creatures safe from these cats. You should have added a suggestion that the neighbors bell their cats so that chipmunks, birds and other creatures have a chance to escape. – Elizabeth L., via email

DEAR ELIZABETH: That’s a good point, and thanks for suggesting it! One issue that the person had was that only a few of the cats roaming together actually had collars, making them wonder if some were housecats and others were strays or feral cats. They also weren’t sure which neighbors the cats with collars might belong to.

If they knew which neighbors had those cats, they could certainly speak with the neighbors about at least putting a bell on their collars to warn wildlife of their approach. But sometimes, neighbors in rural areas of the U.S. aren’t very approachable. You may know what I mean.

So, an indirect approach is sometimes the best or only way to address the problem in an area with no animal control department. Join the local community’s Facebook page and post about the problem that outdoor cats are causing for wildlife in the area. Find opportunities to speak to others about it at church, school board meetings and public forums.

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

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