Cohousing-L Mailing List: Keeping Cats from Killing Birds

[Evdavwes (Evdavwes]

Hello, Cohousing members,
 
At Westwood cohousing (_www.westwoodcohousing.com_ 
(http://www.westwoodcohousing.com) ) we are  considering requiring all outdoor 
cats (or at least those 
who are known to be  successful hunters of birds) to wear some device that 
stops them from killing  birds, such as the catbib 
(_http://www.catgoods.com/csprodinfo.html_ 
(http://www.catgoods.com/csprodinfo.html) ).   Alternatively, we 
might require all future cats in the community to be indoor  cats.
 
The point of these proposals is to reduce the effect of cats on the  wildlife 
population, especially birds.  See for further information the  Audubon 
Society's Cats Indoors program (_http://www.audubon.org/bird/cat/_ 
(http://www.audubon.org/bird/cat/) ).
 
We hear that collars with bells are not very effective at preventing avian  
carnage.
 
Do any other communities have policies that address these issues?   Does 
anyone have experience with the catbib or other products that could make an  
outdoor cat a less effective hunter?
 
I have just put a bib on Gertie, one of our two cats.  She is a  bit 
perturbed as yet, to say the least.  She is not a successful hunter  anymore.  
This is 
just a trial run.
 
Best to you all,
 
David
 
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David Clements, Evan  Richardson, Wesley Clements, Lila Richardson
43 Vermont Court,  #G24
Asheville, NC 28806
828-285-0601