“Putting a bell on our cat’s collar can significantly reduce the amount of prey it catches,” says Glover. “Birds and mice can hear the bell ring from a distance and go away before your cat attacks.” Studies have shown that belling a cat can decrease the amount of prey they catch by almost 50 percent. But you also need to be sure the bell isn’t harming your cat. Cats that are prone to anxiety or fearfulness may be frightened by the additional noise so make sure your cat seems relaxed when you first introduce the bell. Or consider a separate accessory, like the Birdsbesafe Collar Cover, which can further warn birds about your cat's approach. Some of the most clever kitties will find ways to remove the bell, prevent it from ringing, or alter their hunting style to account for it. But that is rare. Make sure the volume of the bell isn’t too loud as its proximity to your cat's ears can interfere with their hearing.