Conservation gains at minor movement costs: Evaluating a cat-borne predation deterrent

Oakleigh Wilson; Nicole Galea; David Schoeman; Jasmin Annett; Christofer Clemente

doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2026.107097

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Conservation gains at minor movement costs: Evaluating a cat-borne predation deterrent

Journal article

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Conservation gains at minor movement costs: Evaluating a cat-borne predation deterrent

Oakleigh Wilson, Nicole Galea, David Schoeman, Jasmin Annett and Christofer Clemente

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Vol.303, pp.1-8

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2026.107097

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Abstract

Accelerometer

Biologging

Cat

GPS

Predation

Predation by domestic cats is a major driver of population declines in many native Australian species, prompting the development of a range of cat-borne devices aimed at reducing hunting success. Of these, the CatBib™ is a neoprene bib attached to the cat’s collar that is intended to interfere with pouncing behaviour. While found to effectively reduce predation rates, these bibs are perceived by owners to be unpalatable and potentially detrimentally affect cat welfare and thus, have seen limited adoption. To quantitatively assess behavioural effects in cats wearing these devices, we used high-frequency accelerometers to monitor activity and behaviour in nine free-roaming domestic cats, each tracked for 8 days (4 days with the CatBib™, 4 days without), and GPS to track seven cats for 2 days each (1 day with and 1 day without the bib). Across 1052 h of continuous monitoring, we found that attaching the CatBib™ resulted in reductions in daily activity; with increases in inactivity and decreases in locomotion, though no changes to overall roaming distances. Individual cats differed in their responses to the bib, which were linked to personality rather than to body size or sex. Overall, our results provide evidence for limited negative effects of the CatBib™ on cat activity, though further investigation into high-energy hunting-specific behaviours would better clarify the total effect.

Details

Title: Conservation gains at minor movement costs: Evaluating a cat-borne predation deterrent
Authors: Oakleigh Wilson (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Nicole Galea - University of the Sunshine Coast
David Schoeman - University of the Sunshine Coast
Jasmin Annett - University of the Sunshine Coast
Christofer Clemente - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Vol.303, pp.1-8
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2026.107097
ISSN: 1872-9045
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991242151502621
Output Type: Journal article

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