Dear Editor:
RE: New study pinpoints number of birds killed by cats each year, Oct. 30.
I wholeheartedly agree with the article from the University of Guelph. Birds are incredible creatures and deserve our protection. Cats, as domesticated animals, should be cared for and kept indoors.
My mother and I love bird watching, and it would be heartbreaking to see cats killing birds right outside my window. It is understandable that domesticated cats, being closely related to larger wild cats like lions and tigers, have retained the instinct to hunt. However, that’s when humans should step in and manage their behaviour.
I don’t believe the solution is to stop cats from hunting by putting them on leashes as the article suggests. Leashes can be dangerous to cats if used incorrectly. A more effective way to protect birds while still allowing cats to act on their instincts is to put bells on their collars. The sound of the bell will alert or scare birds away, reducing the likelihood of predation. Bell collars allow cats to behave naturally while safeguarding the birds.
Overall, I was thrilled to see this article in the weekly newspaper. It’s encouraging to know that there are people working to care for and preserve the beautiful birds of the earth.
Keylin Devries,
Guelph/Eramosa