Let's say each cat kills only one bird a year. Scientific studies actually show that each year, cats kill hundreds of millions of migratory songbirds. University of Wisconsin ornithologist, Dr. Santley Temple estimates that 20-150 million songbirds are killed each year by rural cats in Wisconsin alone. Cats were domesticated by the ancient Egyptians and taken throughout the world by the Romans. Cats were brought to North America in the 1800's to control rats.
Cats are a serious threat to fledglings, birds roosting at night and birds on a nest.
Research shows that de-clawing cats and bell collars do not prevent them from killing birds and other small animals. For healthy cats and wild birds, cats should not be allowed to roam free. Work with your local humane society, veterinarians and state wildlife agency to enact and enforce free-roaming cat regulations. American Backyard Bird Society, PO Box 10046, Rockville, MD 20849. A Heavy Toll on Songbirds.