Protecting native wildlife from roaming cats

Roaming feral and domestic cats kill and disturb wildlife.  

In WA alone, 36 mammal species, 22 bird species, and 11 reptile species are threatened by cats.  

Across Australia, cats have played a major role in the extinction of at least 27 mammal species and at present endanger 147 Australian mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs.  

The City’s Cat Trapping Program aims to protect native wildlife from roaming cats in natural areas on South Perth Foreshore. 

Traps are positioned where feral cats are known to be. 

The focus is on removing roaming cats, protecting wildlife whilst also ensuring cats are not harmed. 

The traps used are specifically designed cage traps equipped with a pressure plate that triggers the door to close. These traps do not utilise baits or latching mechanisms. 

The traps are checked twice daily to ensure trapped cats are not held for long periods of time.   

Once captured, cats are transported to the City’s Animal Care Facility in Como. Here, they are scanned for a microchip, and if registered, their owner is contacted to arrange collection.  

Cats that are not microchipped or registered are assessed by the City’s Animal Care Facility officers. Any cats deemed to be behaviourally suitable for rehoming will be transferred to a rescue organisation. As a last resort, cats that are not deemed suitable for rehoming will be humanely euthanised in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2002.    

Cat trapping is undertaken by City Rangers in accordance with legislation and regulations, including the Animal Welfare Act 2002.