Placement makes all the difference.
Ground level birdbaths should be placed at least 15 feet away from good ambush sites, such as thick brush. Taller models can be placed as close as 3 - 5 feet, just out of reach of a good pounce. One excellent solution is to place your birdbath in a pond. Cats hate a moat. When winter locks up all the fresh water supply for birds and small animals we can provide, and when we do we are entertained and rewarded.