Last update: Tue May 29 2007 14:04:04

Bibs get cats in a flap

Cats would be less of a threat to other wildlife if fitted with brightly-coloured bibs, scientists have said.

A study showed the bibs helped to dramatically reduce the number of birds, rodents, frogs and other animals captured by cats.

Mike Calver, a biologist at Murdoch University in Western Australia, had the owners of 56 moggies keep a log of what their pets brought home over a six-week period.

For the final three weeks, the cats wore the bibs and the numbers of creatures caught dropped significantly.

It's not clear if the bibs stop cats from pouncing - or if their bright colours warn off wildlife.

However, if you're tired of Tiddles bringing home dead birds and mice, this could be the perfect solution.

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