Cats
are present throughout Tasmania, as domestic pets, free-living strays, and as
feral animals. As pets, cats are wonderful companion animals and have a range
of health benefits for their owners.
As
predators, cats are very efficient hunters of Tasmania’s native wildlife.
The Tasmanian Government promotes responsible cat ownership and the
Cat Management Act 2009 and the
Cat Management Regulations 2012 provide support for the community in managing the health, welfare and impacts of cats.
Under the Act only registered breeders are permitted to breed cats. Cats sold or given away must be more than eight weeks old, desexed and microchipped. The Act also introduces powers to trap, seize or destroy stray and feral cats in certain circumstances and gives land owners and managers the statutory power to control cats found on their land.
Over many years, a feral cat population has become established in Tasmania. DPIPWE is responsible for coordinating efforts to better understand and reduce these impacts. The Invasive Species Branch, in consultation with key industry and community groups, has developed the statewide
Tasmanian Cat Management Plan 2017-2022 to support these efforts.