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UnderLockDown · M
I'm not in Australia, so the critter population is a bit different, but here we would be over run with rabbits, squirrels, field mice, gophers and rats, if it weren't for the cats.
The rabbits and a couple of the rat species aren't native, and we no longer have small predators like the california ferret, so I'm good with the cats running around.
You guys have those adorable possums, it would be a shame if they were wiped out. Too bad the cats don't selectively hunt the rabbits and leave the natives alone.
The rabbits and a couple of the rat species aren't native, and we no longer have small predators like the california ferret, so I'm good with the cats running around.
You guys have those adorable possums, it would be a shame if they were wiped out. Too bad the cats don't selectively hunt the rabbits and leave the natives alone.
ninalanyon · 61-69, T
No such requirement here in Europe and Scandinavia as far I know. And while it is overwhelmingly likely true that domestic cats are significant predators in Australia where they were introduced only recently it's not quite so certain that they have the same effect in Europe where mammalian predators and their prey have coexisted for millions of years.
In Norway in particular where the average human population density, and hence domestic cat density, is low and the countryside forested and fertile the impact is probably fairly small.
I found this on the Smithsonian site:
How robust those estimates are I have no idea but it suggests that anyone hoping that registration and a curfew will have an immediate effect is going to be severely disappointed. It will take decades, if it works at all.
In Norway in particular where the average human population density, and hence domestic cat density, is low and the countryside forested and fertile the impact is probably fairly small.
I found this on the Smithsonian site:
Australia’s Cats Kill Two Billion Animals Annually.
Here’s How the Government Is Responding to the Crisis
A new report from the federal parliament recommends cat registration, nighttime curfews and spaying and neutering
..
Cats arrived in Australia with the first European settlers in 1788. Within 70 years, cats had spread throughout the country; cats now inhabit 99.9 percent of Australia’s total land area. On a yearly average, an estimated 2.8 million feral cats roam the continent, but according to John Woinarski, a conservation biologist at Charles Darwin University and co-author of the book Cats in Australia: Companion & Killer, this number can balloon to 5.6 million in years of heavy rainfall.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/australias-cats-kill-two-billion-animals-annually-180977235/Here’s How the Government Is Responding to the Crisis
A new report from the federal parliament recommends cat registration, nighttime curfews and spaying and neutering
..
Cats arrived in Australia with the first European settlers in 1788. Within 70 years, cats had spread throughout the country; cats now inhabit 99.9 percent of Australia’s total land area. On a yearly average, an estimated 2.8 million feral cats roam the continent, but according to John Woinarski, a conservation biologist at Charles Darwin University and co-author of the book Cats in Australia: Companion & Killer, this number can balloon to 5.6 million in years of heavy rainfall.
How robust those estimates are I have no idea but it suggests that anyone hoping that registration and a curfew will have an immediate effect is going to be severely disappointed. It will take decades, if it works at all.
SwampFlower · 31-35, F
I keep mine in 90% of the time unless supervised. I’ve lost too many babies to wild dogs/coyotes to risk it.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
Here there is a strong sterilization program. It's finally being controlled.
Your dingos should be a controlling factor. I know coyotes here as well are controlling factors.
Your dingos should be a controlling factor. I know coyotes here as well are controlling factors.
Gusman · 61-69, M
@DeWayfarer Dingoes have no effect on cat numbers.
Simply too many cats
Simply too many cats
beermeplease · M
UnderLockDown · M
@beermeplease The raccoons are afraid of my cat.😹
Lilymoon · F
Here's a thought: Don't let your cats out.
Why people do this is beyond me. 🤦🏻♀
Why people do this is beyond me. 🤦🏻♀
ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M
Here cats have to be on leashes if outside, same as dogs.
Gusman · 61-69, M
@ChipmunkErnie Is it policed though?
ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M
@Gusman Yes. And if you feed feral cats in your yard the animal control people show up at your door.
Poppies · 61-69, F
I've read about Australia having a campaign to kill feral cats. How can they do this without also killing a lot of free-ranging domestic cats?
pdockal · 56-60, M
Trap, spay/neuter, release programs can work
RedBaron · M
It would be impossible to enforce, especially at night.
Unquestioned · 70-79, M
I remember reading that there are over 2 million feral cats in Australia. How the hell are we ever going to control that.
Gusman · 61-69, M
@Unquestioned In a good breeding year, there can be 5 million feral cats.
Too far gone to effectively control.
Too far gone to effectively control.

















