Why are cats a concern for wildlife in Australia?
Short answer: Cats were introduced by European settlers, and feral cats are now considered a major threat to native small mammals, birds and reptiles. Australia has national strategies to manage feral cats, and pet owners are encouraged to keep cats contained.
Quick facts
- An introduced species. Cats arrived with European settlement. Australian wildlife evolved without cats, so many native animals are especially vulnerable to them.
- Feral cats. Feral cats are widely regarded as one of the main threats to a number of native species, and governments and conservation groups run management programmes.
- Pet cats. Pet owners are encouraged to keep their cats indoors or in an enclosure, to desex them, and to identify them with a microchip. Some local councils have containment rules for pet cats.
- Catios. A catio, a secure outdoor enclosure, gives cats fresh air and stimulation while protecting wildlife.
Student report
I went to Australia expecting to write about sunbeams, and instead spent a very serious term on the subject of wildlife. I found the matter to be more complicated than the Department had assumed, and more important.
I was impressed by the catios I saw, which were spacious, well-furnished and clearly popular with their occupants. One had a shelf, a scratching post and a small tree.
I concluded that the best cat is one who is happy, well fed and well entertained, and who is not, at any point, on a bird. I have recommended this to the Chancellor.