Community Cat Programs
Community Cat Programs (CCPs) are proven to humanely and sustainably reduce the population of stray cats in urban areas. By collaborating with communities to manage their cat populations and protect native wildlife, without resorting to euthanasia, these innovative programs tackle the causes and consequences of overpopulation, while protecting cherished human-animal bonds.
Presentations & talks
We cannot adopt or kill our way out of a stray cat problem
Since 2020, the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation (APWF) has piloted innovative approaches to the management of strays within communities with high numbers of cat complaints. With standard interventions failing to halt the cycle of breeding, impoundment and euthanasia, and failing to achieve a meaningful reduction in the number of stray cats, the team initiated a transformational program of research.
The problem
Despite some council-operated pounds euthanising every single stray cat and kitten brought into their care, overall numbers are not decreasing.
Instead, shelters, rescues and pounds are crowded with lost and homeless pets, staff involved in euthanising and community members who care for their animals are traumatised, and the public purse carries the financial burden.
The solution: Community Cat Programs
Community Cat Programs target areas with many free-roaming cats or high levels of nuisance complaints, particularly in disadvantaged locations. Our dedicated team works in partnership with the local community, Council and shelters to introduce pragmatic care solutions and build community awareness about caring for neighbourhood cats.
Owned and stray cats are desexed, microchipped and registered for free
People caring for stray cats are assisted to adopt them officially
New homes are found for friendly stray cats and kittens where possible
Instead of being euthanised, healthy strays that aren’t considered adoptable (for example, they’re fearful of people at the shelter) are desexed and returned to where they live - this is called ‘return to field’
People caring for multiple stray cats (which is often technically illegal) are supported to continue caring for them
A carer is identified for each stray/community cat to continue feeding and monitoring their health
Support is provided to pet owners and community carers to help keep cats safe, healthy and with their human companions
Teams help residents tackle pet-related neighbourhood conflict, and resolve nuisance issues in a constructive way
The results: Proven change is possible
APWF's Community Cat Program is demonstrating that a more humane and effective approach to managing free-roaming cats is possible.
Rather than relying on trapping and impoundment, the program focuses on preventing unwanted litters through accessible desexing, microchipping and veterinary care, while working with local communities and the people who care for stray cats.
Rosewood Community Cat Program results
Ipswich, Queensland | 2020–2025
These results demonstrate that Community Cat Programs can reduce the number of cats entering shelters, prevent unnecessary euthanasia and reduce free-roaming cat populations.
Importantly, this approach addresses the underlying causes of cat overpopulation rather than repeatedly removing cats without preventing further breeding.
The evidence is clear: there is a kinder, more sustainable way to manage community cats.
The future
The APWF’s ongoing research into the effectiveness of Community Cat Programs has the potential to transform companion animal management in Australia and across the globe.
Evidence-based and data-driven, our advocacy agenda is focusing on changing legislation, sharing best practice and ending the tide of kittens born to die.
Help us make history
Research is slow, complicated and expensive, but it’s fundamental to change. With your support, we can transform the lives of animals and the people who care for and about them - people who want to help animals live well, not die.
Project partners
Are you a veterinary professional?
Join a growing community of veterinary professionals supporting evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for pets, people and veterinary teams.
Learn more about Community Cat Programs
Resources
Best practice for community cat carers
Read our Research
Review all our latest research and publications on urban cat management and more.
Presentations & media
Explore presentations, talks, interviews, podcasts and articles on humane cat management.
