Feral cats

Feral cats, defined as cats that are living and reproducing in the wild, are a declared species under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act). 

What’s not a feral cat?

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) made feral cats a declared pest under the BAM Act in 2019. In order to minimise the potential risk to domestic cats associated with this declaration, DPIRD developed a feral cat policy to define what cats are considered feral versus stray or wild. 

A cat is not considered feral if it has some level of dependence on humans. This category includes ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ domestic cats, stray cats, abandoned cats, and semi-wild cats. Landholders can read the DPIRD Feral Cat Policy HERE.

If you encounter a cat that appears to be uncared for but isn’t feral, it’s best to contact the RSPCA or your local shire rangers. Under the Cat Act of 2011, owners are required to register, microchip, and sterilise their cats.

Why are feral cats a problem?

Feral cats, although the same species as domestic cats, are not domesticated or socialised. They survive on minimal fresh water and consume a wide range of prey, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. 

Feral cats do not have a specific breeding season and often produce two or three litters per year. They have been recorded across 99.8% of Australia and can weigh over nine kilograms.

Due to these factors, feral cats are classified as an extreme threat—the most dangerous category. In Western Australia alone there are 36 mammal, 22 bird, and 11 reptile species identified as vulnerable to predation by feral cats. Nationally, feral cats have contributed to the extinction of at least 27 mammal species and currently threaten 147 Australian mammals, birds, reptiles, and frogs.

Who's responsible for managing feral cats?

Managing feral cats in Western Australia is a collaborative effort involving various government and non-government organisations. The WA Feral Cat Working Group (WAFCWG) coordinates these efforts, which include state government bodies like the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and DPIRD, as well as non-government organisations, Indigenous groups, and community initiatives. 

Western Australia is recognised as a national leader in feral cat management, with extensive baiting, trapping, and exclusion fencing programs.

Cats and Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group

According to DPIRD’s Feral Cat Policy, cats found on rural properties are not considered feral. This means that PHBG cannot provide landholders with resources to assist with the management and control of cats within our operational area. 

Our position

PHBG supports an amended policy that would allow for increased management activities to more effectively address the detrimental impact of feral cats in the Peel-Harvey region.

How do I get rid of stray cats on my land?

Your local shire will have a process to manage stray cats humanely and according to the law. Most provide landholders with no-harm cat traps through their rangers at no charge. You may be required to pay a bond for the trap. There may also be requirements about when you can use it. All trapped cats must be given to your local government.

Please contact your local shire to ask them about cat traps and the process of trapping and removing feral cats from your land. Appropriate links are below.

• City of Mandurah or contact rangers on 9550 3777 or ranger.admin@mandurah.wa.gov.au. 

• Shire of Harvey or contact rangers 08 9729 0300.

• Shire of Murray or contact rangers on 9531 7709.

• Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale or contact rangers on 9526 1111.

• Shire of Waroona or contact rangers on 9733 7800.

If you live in the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale, you may be able to rent a trap from LandcareSJ. It costs $20 per week with a deposit (bond) of $50, which is refunded on return of the trap. You will need to fill out some paperwork. Note that the traps are only to be used to trap feral cats, not strays. To arrange trap rental, email LandcareSJ's environmental officer via info@landcaresj.com.au.

It’s not my land, but I want to report cat activity

Please report feral cats to the rangers of your local government. You can also report suspected sightings of feral cats via FeralCatScan, part of the FeralScan app. 

FeralScan data is used by land managers across Australia to identify the scale of infestation and to plan effective, humane management. 

More information