Europeans broughts cats to Australia in the 1700s. Some were deliberately released into the bush in the 1800s in an attempt to control rabbits, mice and rats. Cats spread rapidly throughout most of Australia.
They pose a major threat to the survival of many species of native animals. Cats generally eat small mammals, but also catch birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects, taking prey up the size of a brush-tail possum. They have contributed to the extinction of many small to medium sized mammals and ground-nesting birds.
Feral cats are shy of traps, and do not take baits readily. They also stay away from humans so are hard to shoot. Control techniques also have to avoid harming domestic cats. Barrier fencing and eradication of cats inside the fences has proved to be effective for protecting endangered species that are being reintroduced eg. Bilby colonies in Queensland. Attempts to improve the effectiveness and humaneness of baits and traps in controlling feral cats are ongoing.
If you spot feral cats in bushland reserves, please let Council know on 9970 1111 or by emailing pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au
Predation by feral cats is listed as a key threatening process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
Source: Pittwater Council
