Domestic Cats and Native Wildlife

Cats are exclusively carnivores, they must feed on animal protein. Each cat requires a minimum of 100-150g of protein each day. This means that an equivalent of at least seven small mammals, such as native Bush Rats, must be eaten each week by each cat.

Even cats that are well fed, apparently contented pets, will hunt and kill purely out of instinct. An average of 32 wild animals may be killed by each pet cat every year. The potential impact on wildlife is enormous.

What impact do cats have on native wildlife?

Cats are known to kill more than 100 native Australian species of birds, 50 mammals, 50 reptiles, three frogs and numerous invertebrate animals. As more knowledge is obtained more animals continue to be added to the list.

Cats are most active at night, and especially at dusk and dawn. This coincides with the activity periods of much of our Australian wildlife, placing native animals at risk. Cats kill prey of up to their own body size; most of Australia's endangered and vulnerable mammals are in this size category. This doesn't mean they won't kill during the day as well! I was called to the same residence 3 times in 2 weeks to pick up lizards, with injuries inflicted by the family cat, these lizards were diurnal, are only active during the day.

In 15 months one wildlife shelter in Melbourne received 272 native mammals with injuries that resulted from cat attacks. Almost all died as a result of the attacks.

Cat's mouths carry bacteria to which wildlife has little resistance, and wildlife that has been injured by cats usually dies - if not from injuries, then from infection.

Pet cats kill an average of 16 mammals, 8 birds and 8 reptiles every year. 900 000 pet cats by 32 wildlife each per year = 29 million wildlife.

Cats really do need to be kept inside or in a cattery at all times. Not just at night. If you think it is cruel to keep them locked up then spare a thought for all the native animals that slowly die from cat injuries

For information on building a cattery:

If your cat brings an animal home please contact a vet or wildlife organisation. If the animal doesn't look injured please check it for puncture marks, if the cats teeth have broken the skin it most likely WILL need antibiotics even if your vet tells you it doesn't. If your vet won't give it antibiotics contact a wildlife organisation for a second opinion.

References:

Department of Sustainability and Environment

Department of Primary Industries