When it comes to deciding on a name for your black cat it can be tricky. Will you choose a name based on their dramatic, strong appearance? Or will you pick a name that represents their mysterious nature? Plus there are so many famous names out there that would be perfect for a black cat. One of the benefits of a black cat (and there are plenty) is that only they can pull off certain names.
It might be the ex-teacher in me but names conjure up all sorts of thoughts and feelings. Ask any teacher how they pick a name for their own child and they will always says it’s related to the kids they taught. They will stay away from any names they associate with the ‘naughty’ kids. The same applies to picking a name for a cat.
Luckily, I’ve had the pleasure of looking after lots of beautiful black cats at The Great Catsby over the years. So picking a name would be easy as they’re all good cats. Some of those names really stand out and suit those cats, I couldn’t imagine them with any other name.
Anyway, I thought I’d share some of the best names I’ve come across. Not just from guests at The Great Catsby but from film and TV. Hopefully this list of names for black cats will give you some inspiration next time to add a black cat to your family.
Black Cats who have stayed at The Great Catsby
Luther – he’s one of the biggest black cats I’ve looked after but hes a complete softy.
Coco – there has been a few Coco’s stay here, and they’re always girls.
Bear – I’ve looked after a couple of Bears, but only one was black.
Domino – was a cute black cat with white socks
Tux – as his name suggested, Tux was a Tuxedo cat – black with a white chest
Moon – the cutie in the title image, she’s adorable.
Sooty – as expected Sooty always stays with his brother Sweep
Felix – no description needed, Felix was the double of his famous namesake.
Willow – is a true black beauty
Maynard – means brave and strong, but this one was named after the liquorice.
Marley – was a lovely black cat who loved a cuddle
Bellatrix – ok this one is mine but she stays at The Great Catsby when I go away. We call her Trixie for short.
Salem – I’ve never heard him talk during his holidays, unlike his namesake from Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Minstrel – just like the chocolate she’s a big softie when you get to know her.
Khaan – unlike the bird-like dinosaur of the same name this Khaan was a beautiful senior cat
Ebony – a beautiful name for a beautiful girl, this Ebony was black and white but it still counts…right?
Einstein – well all cats are clever but Einstein was a genius…obviously
Sheldon – a gorgeous black British short hair
Gandalf – just like his brother Sheldon
Kitty – was a cute black little kitten who was a pretty little kitty
Lucky – I felt very lucky getting to look after this gorgeous.
There have been other black cats stay here too but these names, I think are perfect for black cats. If you still need more inspiration then keep reading.
Famous Cats from Film, TV & Books
Macavity
Baghera
Binx (the black cat from Hocus Pocus)
Snowball II (from The Simpsons)
Sylvester
Wednesday (as in the Adams Family)
Mortica
Maleficent
Vader
Servus
Snape
Ophelia
Malfoy
Draco
Neo
Matrix
Carrie
Coraline
Jack (as in Jack Skelton)
Figaro
Flower (like the skunk from Bambi)
Mr. Mistoffelees
Sabrina
Potter
Frank(enstein)
Merlin
Potion
Shadow
Phantom
Other names for Black Cats
Shadow
Harley
Pluto
Panther
Raven
Jet
Noir
Orian
Star
Friday (as in Black Friday)
Onyx
Eve
Nero
Comet
Ember
Treacle
Luna
Oreo
Storm
Crow
Penguin
Panda
Bullet
Diesel
Ninja
Pepper
Rebel
Thunder
Boo
Casper
Pepsi
Cola
Ash
Cinder
Ink
Nebula
I’d love to know what you name you choose for your black cat. Let me know in the comments if I’ve missed any great names off my list.
Written by Jenny
Hi, Iām Jenny, Iāve been a huge cat lover all my life and currently share my home with 3 cats, Lola, Nala & Trixie.Ā
Back in 2015, whilst on maternity leave with my second son, I had a crazy idea to start The Great Catsby.Ā The doors opened in 2017 and I havenāt looked back since.
With an ever-increasing demand for luxury cat care, availability at The Great Catsby Cat Hotel isn't always guaranteed. If you want to make sure your cat has a luxury holiday at The Great Catsby then early booking is advised. I hate to disappoint people but there's a...
Whether you're a proud cat parent or looking for the ideal gift for a fellow feline enthusiast, this year's Black Friday offers are bound to make your whiskers twitch. From cozy beds to interactive toys, I've scoured the web to bring you the best deals on everything...
On the 16th of June 2021, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) issued a statement that they were investigating the sudden rise in the number of cases of cats with Pancytopenia. Consequentially a number of well-known dry food brands were recalled by the Food Standard...
As the proud owner of a black cat, I can highly recommend them to everyone. However, unfortunately, they aren’t popular pets due to their colour. The RSPCA reports that black cats are harder to rehome than any other cats. Apparently, people overlook black cats due to superstitious reasons and the fact that they don’t look good on Instagram! Seriously if that is a real reason then those people don’t deserve a cat. Anyway, in honor of National Black Cat Day (27th October 2019) here are my top ten reasons why you need a black cat in your life.
1. Black cats are excellent at playing hide and seek
All cats are good at hiding but turn out the lights and you’ll have hours of fun trying to find your black cat. They know just how to camouflage themselves in a dark room.
2. A real-life mini panther
Who wouldn’t want a big cat to call their own? With a black cat you have your own mini panther in your house! Personally, I think just being able to say you have a mini panther is the only reason but if you need more persuading then read on.
3. Black is beautiful!
Black is elegant, classic and timeless, not just in the fashion world but in the cat world too! A black cat will compliment your decor and your outfits. Plus you’ll always look fabulous with a sleek black cat by your side.
4. Black cats look great on camera
Despite what the ‘Instagrammers’ say black cats look amazing in photos. I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph plenty of black beauties at The Great Catsby and I’m yet to find one that doesn’t look good. With the right lighting, you can show off their fabulous features.
5. Cat hair don’t care
If you hate the thought of your clothes being covered in cat hair then get a black cat! You won’t even notice their fur on you.
6. Famous black cats
There are a number of famous black cats in literature, TV and more recently on Instagram of all places! I’m sure Cole, from Cole and Marmalade, would disagree with anyone who said he wasn’t ‘Instagramable’ and so would his 641k followers!
7. Black cat names
Naming any cat can be tricky but black cats, have a range of names that only they can pull off. Some popular names are Lucky, Sooty, Ebony, Onyx, Shadow, and Vader. Or you could opt for a famous black cat, like Felix, Salem, Bagheera or Sylvester. If you need more convincing about black cat names, head over to the blog post with over 80 names for black cats.
8. 50 shades of black
Well, there aren’t actually 50 shades (I don’t think) but black cats are all different. Whether it’s black smoke, white and black, a prominent Tuxedo, auburn black or everything in between. Each cat will have its own unique mark or mustache!
9. What beautiful eyes you have!
Along with the different colours and markings black cats also come in a range of eye colours that just seem to pop against their fur.
10. A black cat will be your best friend
I am yet to meet a black cat that doesn’t love a fuss and attention. They are all so incredibly loving that it would be hard to resist their charm.
I have been very lucky to have so many black cats in my life at The Great Catsby. It’s always a pleasure getting to know each and every one.
To see more of the gorgeous mini panthers that are lucky enough to holiday at The Great Catsby head over to the Facebook page.
Hi, Iām Jenny, Iāve been a huge cat lover all my life and currently share my home with 3 cats, Lola, Nala & Trixie.Ā
Back in 2015, whilst on maternity leave with my second son, I had a crazy idea to start The Great Catsby.Ā The doors opened in 2017 and I havenāt looked back since.
With an ever-increasing demand for luxury cat care, availability at The Great Catsby Cat Hotel isn't always guaranteed. If you want to make sure your cat has a luxury holiday at The Great Catsby then early booking is advised. I hate to disappoint people but there's a...
Whether you're a proud cat parent or looking for the ideal gift for a fellow feline enthusiast, this year's Black Friday offers are bound to make your whiskers twitch. From cozy beds to interactive toys, I've scoured the web to bring you the best deals on everything...
On the 16th of June 2021, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) issued a statement that they were investigating the sudden rise in the number of cases of cats with Pancytopenia. Consequentially a number of well-known dry food brands were recalled by the Food Standard...
For the last 13 years, I’ve had house cats. However, as they spend their lives indoors they are prone to boredom and loneliness. As responsible cat parents, it is our duty to create a stimulating environment for house cats in order to keep them mentally and physically active.
What is a stimulating environment for house cats?
A stimulating environment for house cats is one that prevents them from becoming bored or lonely when they are home alone. Being confined to the four walls of a house, although safer than free-roaming outside, can lack the excitement that outdoors brings.
All cats deserve to be happy, even house cats home alone. The best way to make sure our cats are happy and donāt get bored is to provide them with a stimulating environment.
Is Your Cat Bored?
Although cats are more independent than dogs, they still need a stimulating environment to keep them mentally and physically active. Any cats that are continually left alone for long periods are at risk of becoming bored. Some common signs of boredom in cats may include:
Urinating outside of the litter box or in places they shouldnāt.
Increased or decreased appetite.
Overgrooming
Displaying destructive behaviours such as scratching inappropriate places, like furniture or shredding packages and bags.
An increase in sleeping or being more lethargic.
Depression, a lack of interest in anything around them.
Increased vocalizations and crying.
Increased aggression towards their humans.
Separation anxiety
If you are concerned about any changes in your cats’ health or behaviour you should seek advice from a veterinary expert immediately. Behavioural changes can be due to an underlying medical condition which the vet will be able to assess. However, if there are no underlying issues, boredom may be a factor. Even without any symptoms, there’s no harm in providing a more stimulating environment for house cats.
Vertical Spaces
Cats naturally love to climb and be high up. In the wild cats would get high up to look for prey and get away from danger. Although house cats donāt have the same dangers as cats in the wild they still have the same natural instincts. Having an elevated view over their environment will make them feel safer. Also, they will have lots of fun climbing up, down and over obstacles to get to their high spots.
Cupboards, drawers, wardrobes, and countertops are usually a favourite vertical space. But you could add shelves, wall beds or even a sturdy cat tree to their environment.
A Room With a View
Cats are stimulated by small, quick movements like a bird fluttering. Placing beds, cat trees or resting spots near windows will give them something to watch throughout the day. Add bird feeders, plants that attract butterflies and bees or even a fish pond near to a window for constant entertainment.
For cats that don’t have got access to a window or a view, thereās plenty of videos for cats to watch on YouTube. Here are some of my favourite videos.
Space to Hide
For anxious cats, a hiding place is necessary. Especially for those noises that happen when they’re alone like a knock at the door or heavy rain. A small space is a place of safety and refuge.
Hiding spaces can also be fun! With a few holes cut into a cardboard box, a cat could have hours of fun. I’m yet to meet a cat that doesn’t jump into a box or laundry basket as soon as they see it!
Scratching Posts
Cats need to have somewhere suitable to scratch. If they donāt have anywhere then they will resort to furniture. Cats need to be able to scratch so that they can
Shed the outer layer of their claws – As they grow they make way for stronger healthier claws.
Stretch their muscles – A good scratch post should be sturdy enough so that it won’t move as soon as they pull on it. It should also allow them to fully stretch their body, not just their front paws.
Mark their territory – Cats have scent glands on their paw pads so by scratching they’re making their mark.
If your cat already has a scratch post but isn’t using it, it might be because it’s in the wrong place for them or too small. A scratch post tucked away, out of sight, in a corner doesnāt offer any excitement. Look at where your cat does scratch, is it a high traffic area? Is it more secure than their post, can they get a good stretch? Do you need to move the scratching post into a more prominent position?
Cats should have an option for scratching vertically or horizontally. My own house cats also have a large cardboard horizontal scratcher that doubles up as a lounger! It’s purrfect for those lazy days.
Suitable Toys
Cats like to engage in various types of play. Some toys allow them to play independently like balls and mice. A ping pong ball in the empty bath always goes down well! Whilst other toys need human interaction like wand toys. The fast movements mimic prey and encourage them to practice their hunting skills.
If you have a basket of untouched toys that they never use, it might be because to them, its a pile of dead prey. Add some excitement into their day by placing toys around the house. Hide them in boxes, on top of shelves or inside paper bags (remove the handles first). Just leave little bits of the toys on show or dangling so that they have to find them during the day. The cats will have fun and you’ll be able to see which places they explored and found the toys.
Exercise
A cat with access to roam outside can travel up to 3 miles a day. However, a house cat doesn’t have the same opportunities for burning off that excess energy. A cat wheel, basically a supersized hamster wheel, lets them run around and keep fit. Cat wheels aren’t suitable for every cat but for the more energetic breeds (like Bengals and Savannahs) or younger cats, they are a great way to let off steam.
If you do decide to buy a cat wheel do research your options. Some companies have unfortunately caused serious damage to cats as they became unstable when in use. I looked at several companies before purchasing a cat wheel and for me, the Cazami Cat Exercise Wheel stood out. They are sold worldwide and have an excellent reputation for safety with no accidents or incidents.
It can take time to train a cat to use the wheel, some will be confident and explore immediately. Whilst others need some gentle persuasion to use it. I’ve found that once a cat uses it they will go back to it regularly.
Puzzle Feeders
Most cats instinctively like to hunt for their food. However many cat parents provide an all you can eat buffet open 24/7. If your cat has nothing better to do then the food bowl seems like a good way to pass the day while they wait for you to come home.
A puzzle feeder provides a more exciting way to ‘catch’ their food. They can also extend the length of time it takes to eat the food, good for those greedy guzzlers. It also encourages them to activate their brain in getting the food from the container to their mouth. They have to work for their food, and then they are rewarded!
There are lots of different puzzle feeders available for dry food, some can be used with wet food but the food would spoil quickly, especially if left out all day. My cats use this one throughout the day. You can make your own puzzle feeders using cardboard tubes, empty water bottles, egg cartons, and boxes.
Look for Treasure
Make a treasure hunt for your cat to follow by hiding treats around the house before you leave. Your cat will have lots of fun finding the tasty rewards.
When any cats are staying at The Great Catsby that have treats I hide them around their room. It’s a great way to encourage them to explore their new surroundings.
For a healthier, natural alternative to Dreamies use freeze-dried treats like Thrive or Wilkos own.
A Place in the Sun
Maybe it’s due to their ancient Egypt connections but cats love the sunshine! If there is a sunspot in your house your cat probably already knows about it.
Lola loves her lounger, especially in the mid-day sun
Place a bed, shelf or resting spot near to a bright sunny window. Your cats will love to laze about in the sunshine.
I haven’t tried them but they do make window beds for cats like this one! I’m not brave enough to test one with my 9kg Maine Coon just yet! She will have to stick to her lounger instead.
Catnip Party
Not all cats like catnip but for those that do, let them have a little catnip party. Some cats love to eat it, whilst others roll around in it. Use the catnip as a little treat every now and then. If you overindulge them they’ll soon lose interest in it. You can always sprinkle in on their food, on old toys or just give them some on its own.
‘I love The Great Catsby this much’
I find the catnip bought in the petshops here in the UK donāt seem to have any effect on my cats but the Premium Canadian Catnip works a treat. Itās a fine powder, with absolutely no sharp bits, unlike the catnip I find here. For anyone struggling to get hold of the Premium Catnip, I have some available to take home or post out. Just send me a message if you’d like one.
Bring the Outdoors In
For cats that have no access to the outside world a pinecone, log or feather found in the garden will provide a whole new set of interesting smells and textures. Just make sure anything you do bring in is clean, and not been used by other animals outside.
Alternatively, grow some cat grass or wheatgrass for your cat to enjoy. Not only will they have fun chewing the grass but it can help aid digestion.
Spend Quality Time With Your Cat
When you get home from work after a busy day it’s easy to start the chores or make tea. But your cats would appreciate it if you take a few minutes to acknowledge them as soon as you get home.
Just 15 minutes of interactive play with your cat can make a huge difference to their quality of life. If your cat is at home for long periods during the day consider getting a neighbour, friend or pet sitter to spend some time with your cat each day.
During the evening, when you’re wanting to relax why not let your cat curl up with you and treat them to a little grooming session.
Create a Safe Outdoor Space
Many house cats have the luxury of a purpose-built catio. These catios enable cats to safely enjoy the outdoor space. They often have cat trees, sheltered spaces and lots of perches to sit and watch the world go by. Kitty Gardens is a great Facebook page for inspiration and ideas for catios.
If you prefer your cats to have more freedom in the garden whilst being secure then you could go all out and make your garden cat-proof. ProtectaPet offer fence top barriers as well as full enclosures. They have a team of installers ready to make your garden safe or you can install your own with their DIY packs. Mention GREATCATSBY to save money at ProtectaPet
ProtectaPet was our company of choice when we installed our cat balconies at The Great Catsby. The balconies were designed to our requirements giving cats access to the outdoors. The cats are able to sit outside, through the window onto an elevated platform.
Train Your Cat
Spend a few minutes every day teaching your cat to do a simple trick like sit or fetch. They’ll enjoy your attention plus it keeps them mentally active. A good place to start is with clicker training. Catmantoo has some great videos on YouTube to help you train your cat.
Get a Playmate
Kittens always do better in pairs, after leaving their mums and their littermates they can be prone to loneliness. They need lots of play as they are very active and a friend is usually the best companion. Having a playmate means that they will always have someone around even if you’re out all day.
Depending on the nature and age of your cat you may need to spend some time introducing your new cat to them. Not all cats accept a friend immediately but after a slow and patient introduction, they will tolerate each other.
How do you provide a stimulating environment for house cats? Let me know in the comments I’d love to hear what you do.
Leaving your cat to go on holiday isn’t easy. One of the many questions Iām asked is āWill my cat be happy whilst theyāre here?ā I canāt speak for other catteries but I do everything I possibly can to make sure every cat feels safe, secure and happy. When deciding which cattery to use when going away, it’s always important to go and visit lots of different ones. As well as asking questionsyou will be able to see whether the cats, in their care, are happy or not.
How to tell if a cat is happy
Cats are experts at non-verbal communication, they can tell us things without saying a word. As long as we understand the subtle signs then we can tell if a cat is happy or not. Here are 16 different signs a cat may do to show that they are happy.
A calm cat
A happy cat wonāt be alarmed by noises or movement, they feel safe and unthreatened. If theyāve been curled up enjoying a snooze then they’re not going to move if someone comes in the room, even their owners! This is the sign that is often misinterpreted by owners. They walk into the room after a holiday and want to cat to jump at them but a happy cat will stay in its bed to show how content they are.
Head rubs
Cats have scent glands on their necks and will rub against objects to mark their territory. A confident, happy cat will give head rubs to any object in its path including our legs. A cat in a home will often rub around legs to get our attention, particularly at feeding time, just be careful you don’t trip over them!
Vocalisations
Some cats are more vocal than others and can even have a different meow depending on what they want. One of my cats, Lola (a Bengal) is extremely vocal, I can have two-way conversations with her and I know what she wants depending on the tone of her meow. On the other hand, Nala (my Maine Coon) doesnāt meow at all, however, she will trill and chirp when sheās happy and excited.
Well Groomed
A happy cat will take pride in his/her appearance and keep themselves well groomed. They may also groom and lick other cats in the home or their owners to show how content they are.
Facial Expressions
Eyes, ears, and whiskers can be big indicators as to how a cat is feeling. A happy cat will often have their eyes half closed, looking sleepy. Or they may slow blink at their owners and other cats as a sign of trust and contentment. Their ears will be straight up and forward facing. Similarly, their whiskers which will be relaxed and slightly forwards, fanning outwards proudly. The position of the ears and whiskers will be different for a scared, worried or angry cat.
Position
If the cat is sitting down like a little neat bread loaf, with the front paws out of sight then it is happy. By tucking its paws under its body the cat is showing that he/she doesn’t feel threatened or on alert, theyāre not preparing to move or jump away anytime soon.
Tummy on show
If a cat rolls around onto its belly it is a sign that it trusts you, it’s not an invitation to rub its belly, unless you know the cat likes that. Not all cats like their tummy to be touched but they will show it off if they are happy.
Appetite
If a cat is feeling anxious or unwell it wonāt eat. At The Great Catby Cat Hotel I keep a close eye on every catās appetite, a relaxed cat will eat as normal. Some cats donāt always eat a lot at home which is why itās important for me to know as much about your cat as possible before it arrives.
Kneading
If a cat āmakes biscuitsā or kneads then itās definitely happy. One of my own cats Trixie is a huge lover of āmaking biscuitsā and sheāll suckle at the same time. Kneading is an instinctive behaviour, nursing kittens knead in order to relax their mum which releases milk.
Playfulness
Itās common for owners to think that the older their cat gets the less likely it is to want to play. Although kittens and younger cats are definitely more playful, older cats can still have fun too. Iāve had lots of successful playtimes with older cats, once I find out what excites them they are willing to play.
Tail
If a happy cat is walking or standing then the tail would be in an upright position with a slightly bent tip. Unlike a dog, a wagging tail moving from side to side can be a sign of anger.
Fur
If a cat wasnāt happy then it would fluff up its fur so that it looked spiky, especially along its spine. Smooth fur indicates that the cat is content and doesn’t feel in danger.
Responses
Itās highly likely that when you come in from work your cat will great you with head rubs, itās clear that it’s happy youāre home. It is the same for the cats staying in a cattery. When visiting any cattery look at the cats, if theyāre happy they would positively respond to their surrogate carer.
Purring
Although purring is often referred to as a sign of happiness it isn’t always the case. The meaning of the purr depends on the context and the other signs the cat is displaying. A cat may purr when it feels frightened, it helps the cat calm down. However, if a cat shows any of the other signs mentions above and is purring then itās definitely one happy cat.
Sits with you
Not all cats are lap cats or enjoy cuddling up next to their owners but for cats that do enjoy it then they will snuggle up with you when theyāre happy. For these lap loving cats being in a cattery shouldn’t be any different to at home, they should have time to curl up with a human.
Interested
A confident cat that feels settled and at ease will often show an interest in new objects or people within the environment. This is often seen with cats who are returning to the cattery for the second or third time. The first time they arrive they are wary, however, when they arrive for another holiday they are usually much more confident and jump out of the carrier into their favourite spot in the room.
Cats can be very open with their feelings, as owners we just need to be able to read the signs. If your cat has any other ways of showing their happiness then let me know in the comments.
If you are interested in seeing how happy the cats are at The Great Catsby Cat Hotel then come and visit, just send me a message with the best times/days and Iāll show you around.
When people visit The Great Catsby Cat Hotel they usually ask about the TV’s in the corridor, ‘Those TV’s aren’t for the cats are they?’ And my answer is always, ‘Of course, it’s Cat TV!‘ Indoor cats and cats in a cattery need stimulation in their daily life, videos for cats are just one way to keep their brains active.
With having the TV’s in the corridor every cat could see what was happening. However, after seeing just how much the cats enjoyed Cat TV, I decided to make a little upgrade to the rooms. During February and March 2019 we have been busy adding a new screen to every room! Now our guests can enjoy the videos from the comfort of their bed, (whichever bed they choose).
Why do cats like watching videos?
Cats need stimulation, their brains need to keep active otherwise they may get depressed or bored. In either case, this can lead to problems if a cat doesn’t have access to an enriched environment. Enrichment for cats comes in many forms, but for house cats or cats who prefer to stay inside then videos are one way to grab their attention and keep them mentally active.
Cats are stimulated by movements, it triggers their natural pouncing instincts. These videos are specially curated for cats to provide lots of movement to attract their attention. The videos usually centre around a cat’s natural prey. For cats with little outdoor experience or access to windows videos for cats are the next best alternative.
Recommendations
We now have a selection of these videos playing within each room on a private screen for our guests viewing pleasure. Don’t worry though, the cats do have plenty of screen-free time, videos are just one of the ways to provide a stimulating environment. Here are our favourites!
Paul Dinning’s YouTube Channel is devoted to cat videos, he provides some of the best wildlife videos around. His videos of birds, mice, and squirrels feeding close up are a huge hit at our cat hotel!
Relax my cat is aimed at helping cats and kittens with separation anxiety, boredom, loneliness, and other issues. They produce videos and music to help relax cats which can all be found on their YouTube chanel.
Cat Trumpet’s YouTube channel is filled with relaxing videos. Our favourites are the aquarium, jelly fish and the flickering log fires.
Videos For Your Cat is another channel dedicated to entertaining your cat through video.
As well as wildlife videos there is a wide selection of cat games available on YouTube. These games are all designed to catch the cats attention with moving fish, creepy crawlies or lasers. Some cats may try to pat at the objects as they fly around the screen.
For more video and game ideas take a look at my playlist here. Enjoy!
If you want your cat to be mentally stimulated whilst on holiday then reserve your dates at The Great Catsby Cat Hotel.
When we cuddle up with our bundles of fluff it’s easy to forget that they are killers. As much as we hate the thought of them killing any other animal it is their natural instinct kicking in. Protecting garden wildlife from your cat will not only help the creatures your cat preys on but it will also help reduce the number of unwanted ‘gifts’ your cat brings.
Cats are opportunistic hunters, they will catch anything that takes their fancy, even if they’re not hungry. If they see a moving object they will instinctively pounce and as the garden provides an abundance of these ‘moving objects’ it’s one big playground for our cats.
According to the RSPB birds make up around 20% of the creatures caught by cats. However according to research although cats may not kill a large percentage of the bird population they are having a detrimental effect on the nesting and rearing of chicks. Along with birds, cats will also catch mice, voles, newts, frogs and other garden wildlife. Mammal.org carried out a survey of domestic cats in 1997 and estimated that in a 5 month period around 97 million creatures would be killed by the British domestic cat population š².
10 ways to help protect wildlife
We can’t stop our cats from killing but we can put things in place to protect our wildlife.
Attract more birds to your garden. As silly as it sounds but more birds equals more eyes watching out for prowling cats. Birds in larger groups will alert each other to danger.
Keep bird feeders near prickly bushes. As cats like to hide before pouncing they won’t be able to if the birds are feeding near hawthorn or holly bushes. These prickles act as a natural deterrent for predators.
Make sure cats can’t get near nesting boxes. Birds are less likely to feed their growing chicks if they see a cat nearby so place any bird boxes away from any potential climbing areas.
Keep cats indoors. Not everyone wants to keep their cats inside all the time but if your cat likes to wander then try to keep them inside at dawn, dusk and through the night when birds and mammals will be feeding.
Have a cat free zone in your garden. If you have space separate one area for feeding wildlife, use prickly bushes and plants, citronella or sonic deterrents to keeps cats away from that area.
Cat proof your garden. Protect a Pet offer a range of solutions to keep ats inside the garden, not only will it protect the wildlife but it could save your cat’s life too.
Create a stimulating indoor environment. Your cat won’t want to go outside if it’s so exciting inside.
Leash train your cat. It does take time and patience to train your cat to use a harness and lead but many cats love it.
Make cats work for their food. Cats like to play the hunting game, hide food around the house or use puzzle/scatter feeders so they won’t feel the need to hunt outside.
Play with your cat. Use wand toys to encourage them to pounce and hunt at home, they’ll develop their skills without harming any creatures.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other ways to protect wildlife from your cats, I’d love to add more ways to my list.
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