Love hurts

A dilemma between love, nature and conservation.

Cats, both domestic and feral, are among the most widespread and effective predators on the planet. They have a profound impact on bird populations worldwide. Studies estimate that cats kill around 20 billion birds each year worldwide. The problem is especially severe in places where native bird species evolved without mammalian predators, such as on islands, where cat introductions have led to numerous extinctions or near-extinctions.

Domestic cats are responsible for around 30% of bird killings, while feral cats are responsible for around 70%. The Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) initiative can significantly reduce the number of future bird kills, as it humanely and sustainably shrinks feral cat populations, benefiting both ends. However, it needs to be more widespread and persistent to have a strong ecological impact. It is also encouraged to keep domestic cats inside, especially overnight and during nesting season.

Feral cats often form large colonies and can survive without human care, hunting for food and significantly reducing local wildlife populations. Even well-fed house cats still retain strong hunting instincts and often kill birds for sport rather than hunger. Ground-nesting, migratory, and endangered birds are particularly vulnerable, as they struggle to escape or defend against feline predators.

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To represent this topic, I chose a female house sparrow as it is the first bird my childhood cat ever caught. I was shocked—though it’s “in a cat’s nature,” as people often say, I still felt heartbroken. My current cat, Oona—whom I carved for this piece - is kept indoors. I often feel conflicted about letting her outside, knowing both the harm she could do to wildlife and the risks she might face herself. A red string connects Oona and the bird, symbolising the red string of fate - an invisible thread that binds beings destined to meet, no matter the consequences of that bond.