Last summer, the release of a video showing a feral cat hunting a bird ignited a heated debate. One side argued that the feral cat population must be reduced to protect birds, while the other countered that feral cats should not be the sole focus of blame. Is there a way to protect both birds and feral cats?
In June 2026, the avian ecology YouTuber 'Saedeokhu' released a video documenting feral cats hunting birds on Marado and Hongdo Islands. On Marado, feral cats were seen roaming around rock crevices where Ancient Murrelets breed and carrying birds in their mouths. On Hongdo, over 100 bird carcasses, presumed to have been killed by feral cats, were found over three days
Saedeokhu petitioned the National Assembly to create laws restricting the feeding of feral cats and reducing their numbers, arguing that they threaten protected bird species. In contrast, animal protection groups argued that other threats to birds, such as climate change and habitat destruction, must also be considered
It is a fact that feral cats hunt birds. The impact of predators like feral cats can be especially pronounced on islands, which are small and have limited spaces for birds to rest and breed. On Hongdo, about 800 bird carcasses with signs of cat predation were found between March and May, the peak season for migratory birds. Among the carcasses were two Tristram's Buntings, a species whose p