Iconic naturalist Sir David Attenborough has urgently asked cat owners in the UK to make one simple change if your pet spends any time outdoors.08:36, 12 Jun 2026Britain is home to a thriving population of over 10 million pet cats, and there's no question that we absolutely adore our aloof little companions.‌Yet with such a vast feline population comes a significant threat to another much-loved species.‌Sir David Attenborough's latest BBC1 series, Secret Gardens, made its debut on April 5, 2026, as part of the legendary naturalist's 100th birthday celebrations on the BBC.‌In the programme, the iconic natural historian said: "Across the British Isles, there are magical places, our gardens. Each is home to a cast of remarkable animals."He went on to highlight just how extraordinary our gardens truly are, adding: "Some British gardens are almost as diverse as tropical rainforests.", reports the Express.‌"Our gardens cover a greater area than all of our national nature reserves combined."The series followed Attenborough across five remarkably different gardens in five separate locations throughout the UK, and the revelations from his latest programme have proved genuinely eye-opening.The BBC's most celebrated presenter revealed that Britain's sizeable cat population is estimated to kill approximately 55 million birds annually across the UK. While he was careful not to demonise cats in any way, Attenborough did put forward a straightforward solution to help ensure our cherished pets cause minimal harm to garden birds.‌So, what simple yet effective measures did Sir Attenborough recommend that cat owners adopt to reduce the number of birds being killed?In a bid to "reduce pet cats' hunting success by a third", Attenborough encourages cat owners to think about fitting a bell to their pet's collar, helping gardens remain safe havens for all wildlife, birds included.‌Something as straightforward and affordable as a bell can provide birds with a vital warning that predators are on the prowl, significantly cutting the chances of a surprise attack.Another handy tip to prevent our cats from preying on defenceless birds is bringing our four-legged friends indoors during critical periods, such as dusk and dawn, when birds are at their most active.These windows just so happen to be prime hunting hours for cats, but it could well be worth making this minor adjustment and keeping our beloved pets inside during these periods, so that innocent wildlife doesn't needlessly fall victim to their instincts.‌One further highly recommended, expert-backed measure is to position bird feeders considerably higher up, well out of reach of roaming pets - and at least 2 metres away from thick vegetation.While dense shrubbery can offer birds a swift escape route, it can equally serve as a concealed ambush spot for our feline hunters, making it advisable to avoid placing bird feeders directly alongside heavy undergrowth.Article continues belowRelocating feeders to higher positions and greater distances from potential launch pads such as decking, fences, planters or anything else that could serve as a springboard, will also reduce the chances of cats and other cunning wild animals that frequent your garden from successfully hunting birds.Another brilliant suggestion is opting for enclosed bird feeder designs, which offer an extra layer of protection for unsuspecting birds, particularly while they are stopping by your garden.These simple yet highly effective adjustments can transform your garden into a safe sanctuary for all wildlife.