Indoor cats make for happy wildlife and happy owners

So is it time for a cat curfew to be put in place?

The Tackling The Feral Cat Pandemic report released in late 2020 by the Federal Government found that a single pet cat can roam and hunt more than 186 mammals, reptiles and birds each year. A feral cat in the bush would hunt more than 791 mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs annually year.

According to Environmental Health and Compliance Coordinator at Griffith City Council Merryn Benham, in the Griffith Local Government Area alone there are 2,524 that are microchipped, with 1,250 registered with Griffith City Council.

These numbers equal to approximately 469,464 dead native animals if all domestic cats in Griffith were let loose to roam freely and does not account for the stray cats that frequent the town.

Griffith City Council say however they are not currently planning on following in the footsteps of other councils nationwide in the introduction of a 'cat curfew'

Practice Manager of Griffith Veterinary Hospital Sam Blomeley said that domestic animals, mostly cats, were one the main offenders to how native species end up needing medical treatment.

They work in partnership with WIRES Riverina, tending to injured wildlife in the region.

"Cats contribute a steady amount to the high proportions of injured wildlife brought into us every year," Mrs Blomeley said.

She noted that keeping your pet cats indoors was a 'win win' scenario for cat owners, native wildlife and the cats themselves.

"If you can keep your cat indoors that is a safer option for them because you know where they are and they are away from hazards such as roads and traffic and they aren't attacking wildlife," Mrs Blomeley said.

"If you find an injured animal please don't hesitate to give us a call and bring them in."

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Lauren O'Grady from Griffith Cat Haven (formerly Mini Kitty Commune Griffith) suggested that rather than a curfew for cats, pet owners just needed to be more responsible.

"You wouldn't let your dog or even your children free roam the community so it makes no sense that you would let your cat do so which puts themselves and native wildlife at significant risk," Miss O'Grady said.

"A curfew at night isn't going to change the fact that during the day cats will kill native species and run the risk of being killed themselves by hazards such as cars."

Instead, Miss O'Grady suggested owners work on 'cat proofing' their homes and outside spaces.

"Give them the freedom of outdoor time, fresh air, the feeling of grass under their paws but not at their own risk or the risk to wildlife living in the area," Miss O'Grady said.

"Just be responsible, keep your cat contained.

"It isn't rocket science."

For all wildlife rescue please call 1300 094 737 or use the Wires 'Report a rescue form'.

If you are interested in keeping your cat indoors the RSPCA has a number of resources to explore.

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