Our Position Statements
On Domestic Cats and Australian Native Wildlife Populations
While the impact of feral cats on Australian native wildlife populations in natural environments is well-documented, there is no scientific evidence that domestic cats (cats that live in the vicinity of people), have any viability or conservation impacts at a population level on native wildlife. To find out more, read the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation’s position on domestic cats and Australian native wildlife populations.
On Cat Containment
Compulsory 24/7 cat containment, also known as 24/7 cat curfew, has been introduced in some local government areas in Australia in the belief that this will reduce the numbers of free roaming cats and the associated issues. However, this belief is not supported by the evidence. To find out more, read the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation’s position statement on cat containment.
On Domestic and Feral Cat Definitions
Cats should be categorized based on how and where they live. All Australian jurisdictions should define all cats with some dependence on people (direct or indirect) living in the vicinity of where people live, as domestic cats. Behaviour is an invalid test of whether a cat is feral or domestic. To find out more, read the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation’s position on definitions of domestic and feral cats.
We will be adding more position statements soon.