Lexi Webster
Cats in Australia kill billions of native animals every year, with feral cats in the country killing about 1.5 billion native animals annually. The impact of cats on the country's wildlife has been described as a silent crisis, with cats contributing directly to the extinction of over 20 of Australia's mammals. Cats in Australia also kill billions of introduced animals, such as rabbits and house mice. While feral cats are responsible for most of the toll, pet cats also kill large numbers of animals, with an average of 186 animals killed by each roaming pet cat per year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of animals killed by cats in Australia per year | 2 billion-3 billion |
| Number of animals killed by feral cats in Australia per year | 1.5 billion-3 billion |
| Number of animals killed by pet cats in Australia per year | 390 million-546 million |
| Number of native animals killed by pet cats in Australia per year | 323 million |
| Number of animals killed by a single feral cat in Australia per year | 390 mammals, 225 reptiles, and 130 birds |
| Number of animals killed by a single pet cat in Australia per year | 186 animals, including 40 reptiles, 38 birds, and 32 mammals |
| Number of native animals killed by a single pet cat in Australia per year | 110 |
| Number of native animals killed by pet cats in Sydney, Australia per year | 62 million |
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What You'll Learn
Feral cats in Australia kill 2 billion animals annually
Feral cats in Australia kill around 2 billion native animals every year. This number includes reptiles, birds, frogs, and mammals, as well as over a billion invertebrates. Feral cats are not the only problem, however. Australia's almost 3.8 million pet cats kill up to 390 million animals annually, with an average of 186 animals killed per cat. This means that, collectively, pet cats in Australia kill between 4,440 and 8,100 animals per square kilometre per year.
The impact of cat predation is particularly severe for native wildlife in urban areas, where the human population is high and many native animals already struggle to find enough space and resources to reproduce. In Sydney, for example, roaming pet cats are estimated to have killed over 62 million native animals in one year.
To address this issue, a parliamentary report has recommended several measures. These include mandatory cat registration, spaying and neutering, and night-time curfews for pet cats. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in Australia has also supported 24-hour cat containment regulations, recognising the need to reduce wildlife predation and the breeding of unwanted cats.
The impact of feral and pet cats on Australia's native wildlife is significant, and it is important that cat owners and local governments work together to implement effective solutions.
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Reptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates are all preyed upon
Cats in Australia, both domestic and feral, prey on a wide range of animals, causing a significant ecological impact. The annual toll of their hunting translates to 1.9 million reptiles, 1.2 million birds, 3.2 million mammals, 3 million invertebrates, and 0.25 million frogs.
Reptiles
Reptiles are among the most vulnerable, with cats preying on various native snake species. Cats are adept at evading strikes and pose a greater threat to snakes than vice versa. There are records of cats consuming about a quarter of all Australian reptile species, including 11 species listed as nationally threatened.
Birds
Cats have contributed to the extinction of at least one mainland bird species, the paradise parrot. They also threaten numerous other bird species, with records of pet cats killing individuals of 186 bird species, and feral cats preying on 123 bird species, including 113 native species.
Mammals
Feral and domestic cats in Australia kill approximately 1,067 million mammals annually. Cats preferentially prey on native mammals that are not bats, live in low-rainfall and non-rocky areas, and are of intermediate size (35-5500 g, peaking around 400 g). Species impacted include mulgaras, stick-nest rats, and barred. Cats have contributed to the extinction of at least 22 endemic Australian mammals since European arrival.
Invertebrates
Cats also consume a large number of invertebrates, particularly grasshoppers, beetles, and butterflies. While invertebrates form a smaller proportion of their diet by mass, cats may threaten some large-bodied, range-restricted invertebrates. Overall, cats in Australia kill over a billion invertebrates annually.
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Mammals are the most commonly eaten prey
Cats in Australia kill billions of animals every year, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. While feral cats are a significant contributor to this toll, pet cats also kill a substantial number of animals.
Pet cats that are allowed to roam and hunt kill an estimated 390 million mammals, birds, and reptiles annually in Australia. On average, each roaming pet cat kills 186 animals per year, including 32 mammals. This high level of predation by pet cats is particularly concerning in urban areas, where many native animal populations are already struggling to survive due to low reproductive rates and habitat loss.
In Sydney, roaming pet cats are estimated to have killed over 62 million native animals in a single year. This has led to calls for stricter cat containment laws and responsible pet ownership to protect native wildlife. Overall, mammals are the primary prey choice for cats in Australia, and their high kill rates pose a significant threat to native mammal populations.
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Pet cats kill 390 million animals per year
Australia is home to a diverse range of native species, but this biodiversity is under threat. Cats, both feral and domestic, are a significant contributor to the decline in native animal populations. While feral cats are often considered the primary culprits, pet cats also inflict substantial damage on the country's wildlife.
Pet cats in Australia kill approximately 390 million animals per year. This figure includes reptiles, birds, and mammals, with an average of 186 animals killed per roaming pet cat annually. The impact is particularly severe in urban areas, where pet cats have higher densities than their feral counterparts in the bush. As a result, pet cats kill 30-50 times more animals per square kilometre per year than feral cats in less populated regions. This high rate of predation poses a significant threat to native wildlife, especially in towns and cities.
The types of animals killed by pet cats vary depending on their location. In the bush, feral cats predominantly prey on native reptiles, birds, and mammals. In contrast, pet cats in towns tend to hunt introduced species, such as rabbits and house mice, in addition to native animals. However, it is important to note that cats rarely control the populations of these introduced pests.
The activities of pet cats have severe consequences for native wildlife. When cats are present in an area, animals spend more time hiding or escaping, reducing the time available for feeding, caring for their young, or resting. This disruption to their natural behaviours and routines can have a detrimental impact on their overall health and reproductive success.
To address this issue, experts and organisations have proposed various measures. These include cat registration, spaying and neutering, and nighttime curfews or 24-hour containment. While some of these suggestions are controversial, they aim to reduce the impact of pet cats on Australia's native wildlife and promote responsible pet ownership.
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Cats have contributed to extinctions of native species
Cats have had a significant impact on native wildlife in Australia, and are considered one of the most damaging invasive species globally. They have contributed to the extinction of several native species and continue to threaten many others.
It is estimated that cats have played a role in the extinction of 27 native Australian animals since colonisation, including native mice, rats, potoroos, bandicoots, bilbies, wallabies, bettongs, and birds. Cats have been the primary contributors to over two-thirds of mammal extinctions in Australia since European settlement. For example, they have been implicated in the extinction of the Macquarie Island parakeet and the Macquarie Island buff-banded rail, as well as the paradise parrot, a mainland bird species. Cats have also hampered reintroduction efforts for threatened species, quickly killing newly reintroduced individuals.
Cats are extremely adaptable and can bypass control barriers, making them difficult to control. They have contributed to the decline of native species by preying on them, transmitting diseases, and competing for resources. The impact of cats on native wildlife is extensive, with estimates ranging from 1.9 million to 2 billion reptiles, 1.2 million birds, 3.2 million mammals, 3 million invertebrates, and at least 250,000 frogs killed annually in Australia. Feral cats in the bush have the highest kill rate, with 791 animals killed per cat every year.
To address the impact of cats on native wildlife, the Australian government has recommended several measures. These include cat registration, nighttime curfews, and spaying and neutering to reduce the number of unwanted litters. While these measures are controversial, they aim to reduce the impact of cats on native species and encourage responsible pet ownership.
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Frequently asked questions
Feral cats in Australia collectively kill about 1.5 billion native Australian animals each year. Pet cats that roam and hunt kill an additional 390 million animals annually.
Feral cats in Australia kill 130 birds per year, per cat. Pet cats kill 38 birds per year, per cat. Overall, cats in Australia kill 80 million native birds each year.
The Australian government is responding to the crisis by recommending cat registration, nighttime curfews, and spaying and neutering. The RSPCA, Australia’s peak animal welfare organization, supports cat containment measures.
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