Pet owners told to introduce CURFEW for their cats with moggies kept inside at night to protect vulnerable species

PET owners have been told to introduce a curfew for their cats in a bid to protect vulnerable species.

Conservationists want moggies kept indoors in the evening to stop them from hunting bats, birds and other mammals.

Although owners may be baffled as to how to stop their inquisitive cats roaming free, animal experts believe a curfew "can really make a big difference" for vulnerable wildlife.

According to the Bat Conservation Trust, cats stalk the flying mammals and find their roost before cunningly returning.

Armed with the element of surprise, moggies can wipe out an entire colony in the dead of night.

Even if a bat escapes with their life, it is extremely likely to be injured in some capacity after going head to head with a cat.

So by keeping your pets inside after dark, conservationists say it will bolster the safety of bats and other vulnerable species.

Beth Gerrard of the University of the West of England told the Cheltenham Science Festival: "It can really make a big difference."

Out of the country's 18 bat species, four are considered "vulnerable" and two are regarded as "near-threatened".

BBC researcher Dawood Qureshi also encouraged cat owners to introduce a curfew.

He said: "It's a bit controversial, but I do think you should keep cats inside.

"I don't really think that they're very useful for our environment and our wildlife. I know it's a bit hard because they are everywhere.

"A lot of the time [they are] hunting for fun, especially if they are a domestic cat. They're killing off bird life."

Experts have echoed calls from animal rights campaign group PETA, who previously demanded all pet cats be kept indoors permanently.

IN A FLAP

They also wanted to ban cat flaps in a bid to stop felines sneaking out under their owner's noses - and killing vulnerable wildlife.

Author and cat fanatic Stefan Gates also reminded festivalgoers that cats are "quite murderous" and have quite a hit list.

He said: "There's a big debate going on about whether or not cats are good or bad for the environment, because they kill a lot of birds - I mean millions of birds every year.

"But they also kill a lot of rats, and rats are the main species that predates on birds."

But Brits can relax for now, as he assured the crowd the curfew suggestion was only advice for animal lovers who want to help protect bats.

Owners can also help save vulnerable species by putting a collar with a bell on your cat, as this will alert other wildlife to its presence.

The most important time to keep your cats in is the peak of the summer months, as bats will be looking after their babies.

The RSPCA recommends restricting outdoor access for cats at dusk and dawn.