Since their introduction via European settlement cats have proceeded to occupy 99.8 percent of continent of Australia.

During the past two centuries, feral cats have contributed significantly to the extinction of 20 native species and are responsible for the at-risk status of at least 124.

A feral cat can kill between three and 20 native species of bird, mammal or reptile per week. This formidable predator can weigh up to seven kilograms, making it capable of bringing down large prey the size of a wallaby.

The Federal government has recognised the threat feral cats pose to our wildlife and aims to reduce the feral cat population in Australia by at least two million, pledging a budget of five million dollars to do so.

The money will be spent through grants to groups – including local councils – who will be responsible for carrying out programs designed to reduce the population of cats in the land area under their jurisdiction. The methods used to control feral cats have the support of the RSPCA.

It is important that we manage the behaviour of our domestic cats, who also have the instinct and capacity to kill wildlife. To do this it is necessary for cat owners to confine their cat to their own property.

This not only keeps it from attacking the local wildlife, but also reduces the risk of  injury by other cats, cars or people. It also reduces the risk to the cat from poisons, diseases and parasites.

A cat is quite happy in a secure cat run which provides necessary resources such as food, water, companionship and the physical activity enjoyed by cats. They are also much more secure and safe, as is the local wildlife.

For those who disagree with this approach and insist that cats need to roam free, there is an opportunity for you to participate in the domestic cat-tracking project. The Central Tablelands Local Land Service and Orange City Council invite cat owners to take part in the project.

The aim of the project is to find out what cats get up to and to promote awareness of the distances domestic cats can travel. The cats will wear a small motion-sensored GPS tracker, fitted to a harness for a maximum of 11 days.

A registration session will be held on Thursday, March 2 at 6pm at the HACC Centre, 286 Lords Place. For further details contact Tim Nalder on 63637873.