Reports of roaming cats are on the rise

The research released last month by the Australian National University for the Biodiversity Council, Invasive Species Council and Birdlife Australia found that roaming pet cats kill 546 million animals a year in Australia, 323 million of which are native animals.

It also showed that 71 per cent of pet cats in Australia are allowed to roam.

Director Community and Client Services Janine McKay said roaming cats were an issue that council’s Local Laws Officers dealt with on a daily basis.

“We’re receiving an increasing number of calls from residents who are reporting stray cats roaming on their properties,” Ms McKay said.

“Our region is home to many rare and threatened species, including the Eungella and regent honeyeaters, red knot shorebirds and the water mouse, just to name a few,” she said.

“Cats are natural hunters that will act on instinct when allowed to roam.

“The research suggested that cats do not bring home 85 per cent of the animals they kill, so it is extremely disappointing that some residents allow their cats out at night as they have no way of knowing what impact their pets are having.

“A cat enclosure is the best way to keep your cat safe and prevent it from wandering, causing nuisance to neighbours and harming native wildlife.”

Ms McKay said a lack of desexing was another issue that was prevalent across the region.

“Desexing your pet is an important part of being a responsible pet owner,” she said.

“Unwanted litters of kittens are an ongoing problem for our Animal Management Centre and local animal welfare groups.

“RSPCA is currently running their annual Operation Wanted program, which provides discounted desexing to pet owners at participating vets until the end of August.

“We’re encouraging anyone with pet cats, in particular, that aren’t desexed to take advantage of this initiative.”

Benefits of not allowing your cat to wander:

• Your cat is less likely to be hurt in fights, pick up diseases, spread diseases, be hit by a car or cause a nuisance if it is contained on your property.
• Keeping your cat indoors or in an enclosed area outside prevents it from preying on native animals.
• Penalties apply if your cat is found wandering at large.