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3 Easy Tips to Stop Your Cat From Killing Local Wildlife

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  August 20th, 2025

Hunting is instinctual for cats, but it can cause real harm to local wildlife populations and even lead to dead (or live!) creatures being dragged into your home. Birds, lizards, and small mammals are all at risk when your feline friend roams outdoors.


The good news? With a few simple changes, you can keep your cat happy and healthy while protecting the local wildlife. Here are three easy tips to try.


Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Cat hunting - image via Canva

1. Keep Your Cat Entertained Indoors

Cats hunt not only out of hunger, but also out of boredom. By providing plenty of indoor stimulation, you can satisfy their predatory instincts without harming wildlife.


Try:

Feandrea Cat Tower, Cat Tree for Indoor Cats - image via Amazon

2. Use a “Cat Bib” or a Collar With a Bell

If your cat does spend time outdoors, consider using deterrents that make hunting harder.


Special products like cat bibs or brightly colored Birdsbesafe collars make cats more visible to birds and other prey. A simple collar bell can also alert wildlife before your cat gets too close.


Always choose a breakaway collar for safety, so your cat won’t get caught on branches or fences.

Bird - image via Canva

3. Supervise Outdoor Time With Leashes or Catios

You might feel more comfortable supervising your cat during their outdoor time.


Options include:

  • Leash training your cat for short, supervised walks
  • Building or buying a “catio” (an enclosed patio for cats)
  • Allowing playtime in a fenced yard area


This way, your cat still enjoys fresh air, sunshine, and adventure, just without the risk to local wildlife.

Cat on leash - image via Canva

Final Thoughts

Protecting wildlife doesn’t mean depriving your cat of fun. By providing enriching indoor activities, using protective gear outdoors, and supervising their adventures, you can strike a healthy balance between the two.


Not only will you help preserve local ecosystems, but you’ll also keep your cat safer from traffic, predators, and disease.


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Rachel M.
Rachel M.

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Why Do My Cats Keep Fighting?

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More than Half of Pet Owners are Skipping Veterinary Care

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Dogs Are Helping People Deal With Stress More Than Expected

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New Study Links Dog Breed and Environment to Canine Obesity

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As loving cat parents, we understand that a happy cat is a cat whose natural instincts are nurtured and whose days are filled with purpose and play. While many of us are familiar with the often hilarious effects of catnip, a staple in many cat households, there’s another natural option to add a little “spice” to your cat’s day: silvervine. This plant offers a unique experience for cats. It may even work for cats who are indifferent to catnip (yes, that does happen).In this post, I will share precisely what silvervine is, why it works so effectively to entertain our cats, and the many benefits it offers for both their physical and mental well-being. 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Should I Be Worried About My Dog Eating Dirt?

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Dogs are often called "man's best friend," but there's more to these lovable companions than meets the eye. From their quirky biology to surprising behaviors, dogs are full of fascinating surprises. Whether you're a lifelong dog owner or simply a fan of furry facts, here are five unusual things you may not know about our four-legged friends.

Dogs’ TV‑Watching Habits Vary by Personality

Picture this: it’s a rainy afternoon, you’re curled up on the couch, and your dog parks right next to you, eyes glued to the screen. Turns out, that cozy scene might say more about your pup’s personality than you realize.A new study from Auburn University, published in Scientific Reports, dove into how dogs respond to television. And guess what? It depends a lot on their temperament.Researchers surveyed over 650 dog owners and analyzed 453 pups, ages 2 months to 16 years, to explore what grabs their attention when the TV is on.The study found that excitable dogs, the kind that chase tennis balls until they snooze, loved to follow moving objects on screen. They’d track a bouncing ball or darting dog with their eyes, even dash around the TV looking for it. Anxious or fearful dogs were less interested in visuals. Instead, they perked up at sounds, like doorbells, car engines, or a sudden bark. Regardless of personality, nearly 45% of dogs reacted when they heard another dog bark or howl on TV. Some even jumped up to find the source.  On average, a viewing session lasted about 14 minutes.“It really shows dogs may perceive that screen image as part of their real world,” says Lane Montgomery, the lead researcher. And Jeffrey Katz, a cognitive psychology expert involved in the study, said, “Personality of the dog influences their viewing habits… animal‑centric content yielding a more enthusiastic response than footage of people”.So what does this mean for us as pet parents? First off, TV can be more than background noise, it can offer mental enrichment, especially for energetic dogs who need extra stimulation. But for anxious pups, flashy scenes or sudden noises might actually stress them out.Dr. Freya Mowat, a veterinary ophthalmologist, cautions against leaving anxious dogs alone with the TV: “If your dog has reactive tendencies… I would question whether that is truly a good thing for your dog”. She suggests softer sounds, like classical piano music, can be soothing instead.And creators of “Dog TV” are already taking note. Some specialty channels tailor their programming with dogs in mind, adjusting color, sound, and pacing to match how dogs see and hear the world. It’s not just entertainment, it’s enrichment with a purpose. If you want to test this at home, here’s a quick guide:Try a variety of shows: nature documentaries, sports with lots of movement, or even clips of dogs playing.Watch your dog’s reaction: are they tracking the action, sniffing around, barking, or flinching?Adjust accordingly: excitable dogs may thrive on action; nervous dogs might prefer calm, animal‑focused content or none at all.Use it wisely: don’t rely on TV to entertain them all day. It’s a supplement, not a substitute for play, training, or family time.And remember, not every dog will enjoy watching TV, and that’s okay. Some are visual, some are auditory, and some would rather chew a toy in peace. Just like us, they’ve got preferences, and quirks that make them who they are. In a world full of screen time, our four‑legged friends are discovering what’s enjoyable, and what’s not so enjoyable on TV. Their preferences are as unique as their personalities. So the next time your dog hops onto the couch for “movie night,” pay attention: they just might be telling you what kind of movie they prefer.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

3 Fun DIY Cat Toys You Can Easily Make at Home

There are plenty of great store-bought toys out there, but some of the most stimulating and satisfying playthings for your feline friend can actually be crafted right at home, with minimal effort and common household items. Here are three fun, easy, and safe DIY cat toys you can make in a matter of minutes.

Top 5 Toys That Truly Make Your Dog Happy

Dogs, like people, have their own preferences and personalities, but there’s one thing almost all dogs have in common: they love to play. Playtime isn’t just fun; it provides essential mental stimulation, physical exercise, and a great opportunity for bonding. But with aisles of toys to choose from, which ones are actually the most enjoyable for your pup?Let’s explore the top categories of toys that make dogs happiest, and how to pick the best one for your furry friend.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

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