Feral Cats

Feral cats are widespread across Australia and are recognised as a major threat to native wildlife.

They are highly effective predators and can survive in environments ranging from deserts and grasslands to forests and coastal areas.

Predation impacts

Feral cats prey on a wide variety of native species including:

• small mammals
• birds
• reptiles
• frogs
• insects.

Many Australian native animals have limited behavioural defences against introduced predators such as cats.

Even relatively low densities of feral cats can create significant predation pressure in some environments.

Conservation significance

Feral cats have been implicated in the decline and extinction of numerous Australian native species.

Their impacts are particularly concerning for small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and threatened species with restricted populations.

Managing feral cats remains an important part of biodiversity conservation across Australia.