NATIVE ANIMAL NETWORK ASSOCIATION

Feral Cats

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Feral cats are domestic cats living by their own means, often in the wild. They are ferocious predators, and are known to attack and kill many species of native animals. This is a serious problem causing a disastrous effect on native species.

While it is impossible to accurately estimate the numbers of feral cats, or the damage they are doing to the native fauna, the National Parks & Wildlife Service estimate that there are over 400,000 feral cats in New South Wales, and as many as 12,000,000 (twelve million) scattered throughout Australia! (See 'Cats and Wildlife').

Female cats can breed from the age of one year, and may have up to three litters of up to five kittens a year. The cat has no natural enemies in Australia, so numbers are on the increase.

Impact on Wildlife

Cats are known to kill and eat more than 200 separate native species, including birds, mammals, marsupials, reptiles, frogs, and invertebrates. 

Cats eat around five percent of their body weight each day. This may include native animals, introduced species (such as mice, rats, rabbits and introduced birds), and scraps and carrion around urban centres.  This is the equivalent of one bush rat per day. One cat  caught near Roxby Downs was found to have eaten almost thirty small reptiles, probably in the one day. (details here).

Twelve million feral cats killing animals every day. Even if only one animal in ten was native, it would be reasonable to assume that cats are responsible for killing hundreds of millions of individual native animals every year. 

Feral cats are known to carry and spread disease such as toxoplasmosis which can be fatal for several native species, as well as causing sickness in other natives, livestock, and even humans.

What Can You Do ?

• Make yourself and others more aware of the problem
• Find out about any local plans, and help with any local feral cat control programs
• Try convincing friends and relatives to choose other pets. At least ensure all cats are desexed
• Keep existing cats under control, especially at night
• Support feral cat control programs

Related Information

National Parks and Wildlife Service Cats and Wildlife

Agricultural Pests and Feral Animals

Murdoch University Scientific Approach to Feral Cat Problem

Environment Australia Threat Abatement Program - Feral Cat Control

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