Found throughout England, Scotland and Wales, slow-worms can be found in a wide range of habitats. In gardens, compost heaps, log piles and any refuge such as tin sheets, tiles or carpet left in a sunny spot could be home to a slow-worm or a group of slow-worms (known as a ‘lounge’).

This close proximity to people will inevitably lead to encounters with our four-legged friends. Cats and dogs are part of many families, and most cat owners are very familiar with waking up to find a ‘present’ from their beloved cat. Mice, birds, moths and for prolific hunters, leaves, are year-round gifts from cats wanting to show love and exercise their evolutionary instinct to hunt. After all, they are distant relations to lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs.

At this time of year, we receive enquiries from cat owners, reptile lovers, gardeners and neighbours alike, asking us how to help slow-worms avoid becoming an unwanted present for an unsuspecting feline companion.

There are a few things that may help protect the slow-worm and other wildlife from cats.

The first would be to provide sheltered areas that are not accessible to cats. Unlike other British reptiles, slow-worms don’t like to bask in the open, instead preferring cover. Providing log piles, compost heaps or corrugated metal sheets could give them an area to bask and hunt which cats cannot access. Allowing vegetation to grow longer to provide more cover for slow-worms can also be beneficial.

Keeping cats indoors, specifically at night, may reduce the opportunity for them to hunt. Finally (maybe a little less practical) supervising your cats while they are outside, especially if they are in an area, you know slow-worms prefer, may mean less chance for them to catch slow-worms.

The best way to protect the slow-worms would be to make your garden friendly for them, providing shelter and safe areas. Our Dragons in Your Garden booklet has useful information on how to attract reptiles and amphibians to your garden and tips and tricks on how to create ideal habitats for them to thrive.

If you are lucky enough to spot a slow-worm (or any reptiles or amphibians) in your garden, please record your sightings and take part in our Garden Dragon Watch.

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