Cats, with their innate hunting abilities, pose a significant threat to hummingbirds when they venture into urban areas. Whether the hummingbird is stationary or in flight, cats have the agility and instincts to catch and kill them. Their hunting prowess is driven by an instinctual desire to hunt and kill, not just for food but also for sport.
Cats have powerful hind legs that allow them to quickly cover long distances, reaching heights that the prey considers safe. Their front claws act as sharp hooks to snag and grip their prey, while their rear claws are used to rip the belly of larger prey. Their lack of a collar bone enables them to jump from great heights and land safely, thanks to muscular front legs that act as shock absorbers.
In terms of vision, cats have a faster frame rate than humans. They see at approximately 100 frames per second, compared to humans who see at 15-20 frames per second. However, birds, including hummingbirds, see up to 145 frames per second, making them slightly faster at detecting motion than cats. Cats also have the ability to stay constantly focused on their prey without blinking, thanks to their unique eye structure.
Cats can indirectly cause the death of a hummingbird by startling them and forcing them to take swift evasive actions. This can result in accidents such as collisions with windows or other objects, leading to fatal injuries. Unfortunately, such incidents can occur even in the safety of your own backyard, as was the case with Thor, a beloved hummingbird who met a tragic end when he collided with a sliding glass door while trying to escape from a cat.
In terms of reflexes, cats have faster reflexes than some species of hummingbirds. A cat’s “Escape” reflex from danger is estimated to be around 40ms, while a hummingbird’s “Escape” reflex ranges from 21ms to 53.3ms, depending on the species. Both have incredibly fast reflexes, with the hummingbird being the fastest among birds and the cat being the quickest in the animal kingdom.
The presence of a cat near hummingbird feeders can heighten the “Escape” reflex of the brave hummingbirds but won’t discourage all of them. Hummingbirds are naturally courageous but also cautious creatures. They observe any new presence, including cats, from a distance and gradually approach only when they feel less vulnerable. However, if a cat makes any sudden movements, the hummingbird will quickly flee.
To keep cats away from hummingbird feeders, it is recommended to hang the feeders at least 5 feet above the ground and away from any launching platforms that cats might use. Additionally, spraying the area around the feeders with cat repellent can be effective. Cats have a strong sense of smell, so using scents like citrus, vinegar, mint, or cinnamon can deter them. Plants like rosemary also act as natural cat repellents.
While there is no foolproof way to keep your own cat away from hummingbird feeders, you can take precautions such as keeping the feeder out of reach and using attention-getting devices like brightly colored collars with bells. It’s essential to respect the feeding times of hummingbirds and keep your cat indoors during the critical first hour after sunrise and the last hour before dark when hummingbird activity is at its peak.
In conclusion, cats pose a significant threat to hummingbirds, and it’s crucial to take measures to protect these tiny creatures. By understanding the hunting instincts of cats and implementing preventive strategies, we can ensure a safer environment for hummingbirds to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can cats catch hummingbirds?
A: Yes, cats are capable of catching and killing hummingbirds.
Q: Do cats have faster reflexes than hummingbirds?
A: Cats have faster reflexes than some species of hummingbirds.
Q: Will the presence of a cat keep hummingbirds away?
A: The presence of a cat near hummingbird feeders can heighten the “Escape” reflex of brave hummingbirds, causing them to flee.
Q: How can I keep cats away from my hummingbird feeders?
A: Hang the feeders more than 5 feet above the ground, away from any launching platforms for cats. You can also use cat repellents or plant cat-repellent herbs like rosemary.
Q: How can I keep my cat away from my hummingbird feeders?
A: There is no foolproof way to keep your own cat away from hummingbird feeders. However, you can keep the feeder out of reach, use attention-getting devices, or spray homemade cat repellents.
Q: What are the peak feeding times for hummingbirds?
A: Hummingbird activity is highest during the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before dark. It is recommended to keep your cat indoors during these times.
Happy hummingbird watching!