Feral Cats

Leading Australian scientists suggest that cats, both domestic and feral, kill more than 3 million mammals, 2 million reptiles and 1 million birds every day in Australia. Read more here and here.

Feral cats are the same species as domestic cats which live in urban settings as well in remote bushland. Feral cats are carnivores, meaning they eat meat, which unfortunately can include native wildlife including frogs, reptiles, birds and small mammals which they hunt and scavenge mostly from the wild.

Feral cats can also carry infections and spread diseases to native and domestic wildlife and also humans. They have had a major impact on many Australian land-based wildlife populations, resulting in species becoming endangered or extinct. Virtually all cats, even well-fed pet cats, will hunt and kill wildlife if given the opportunity. More information on feral cats here.

To reduce feral cat numbers the City of Greater Geraldton has undertaken feral cat trapping. More here.

More on feral cat management here.

Feral Cat

How you can help!

  • Ensure you follow the local Cat Law 2020 here
  • Keep domestic cats inside at night
  • Consider installing a Catio to contain your cat on your property
  • Sterilise, register and microchip your kitty here ensuring their safety and that of our local species 
  • Report feral cat activity in our high values natural areas by contacting the City here
  • Do not feed feral or stray cats. Feeding feral or stray cats can lead to increase in feral cat population. These cats can carry diseases which can be a threat to domestic cats or human health. You can help stray cats by either adopting them into your home or take them to the Mid West Cat Shelter.
  • Visit the RSPCA Guide to keeping your pet cat happy at home here