The plan to lock up pet cats

Cats are killing Australia’s wildlife at such an alarming rate that governments around the country are working on a major crackdown. The draft management plan focuses mainly on feral felines, but domestic cats, let out of the house to roam are also recognised as a problem. In some council areas, felines would be forced to be securely enclosed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Today, Sarah Legge, a leading researcher in the field who’s worked with the federal government on its plan, discusses the issue.  She highlights the severe impact cats have on native wildlife, with more than 200 threatened species affected.  Professor Legge also explains the proposed measures, including constant containment for pet cats and the creation of cat-free suburbs.  She emphasises the importance of balancing cat ownership with wildlife conservation and suggests practical solutions for cat owners to minimise their pets’ impact on the environment. Featured: Sarah Legge, wildlife ecologist and professor at Charles Darwin University Key Topics: Feral cats Pet cat management Wildlife conservation Biodiversity protection Environmental impact of cats