Australia's killer cats

Nature's cutest menace - 1st May 2023

Juniper may appear as a cuddly ginger cat to the casual observer, but to wildlife experts in Australia, she represents something entirely different: an insatiable killer. Responsible for the demise of over one billion native creatures annually, including endangered species, Australia's 8 million feral and domestic cats' impact on Australia's biodiversity is a matter of grave concern.

Renowned conservationist Professor Sarah Legge, has revealed that cats are the "primary contributor" to the fate of around two thirds of Australia's extinct mammals, an alarming extinction rate that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. She remarked, "They continue to cause mammal declines today."

While there are regulations in place in Australia requiring microchipping and registration of house cats, national laws addressing the issue are lacking. However, some measures have been implemented at the local level. The Australian Capital Territory introduced cat containment suburbs and a curfew for cats born after 1st July 2022, resulting in positive outcomes such as a resurgence of species like stick-nest rats and rufous hare-wallabies. Nevertheless, in New South Wales, cats like Juniper can roam freely and continue hunting unabated. It's estimated that Juniper alone kills around 180 animals annually, including birds, rodents, and snakes.

Juniper's owner acknowledges that her pet's hunting behaviour is not ideal, but believes it's an inherent feline trait. While allowing cats to roam outdoors is advantageous, it comes at a significant cost to biodiversity. Experts recommend containment as much as possible, especially during hours when prey species are most active - morning and evening.

Keeping cats happy at home is feasible. Providing them with access to sunny spaces with fresh air on a 'catio' - a cat patio - engaging them in regular play sessions and walking them on a leash can offer an enriching mostly indoor life.

Professor Legge argues that cat containment is not only beneficial for wildlife, but also for the welfare of cats themselves. She highlighted that, "They're not going to get hit by a car, mauled by a dog or pick up diseases. As long as you're providing a behaviourally enriched environment, at home or in the catio, the cat's better off."