Busselton Vet Hospital has introduced the region's first on-site 'catio,' an enclosed outdoor sanctuary for cats, in a move to protect local wildlife and improve feline welfare. This initiative, a collaboration with GeoCatch, aims to address the significant impact domestic cats have on Australia's native fauna.
The predatory behavior of domestic and feral cats is a major threat to biodiversity across Australia. It is estimated that feral cats alone kill over 1.5 billion native animals annually, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. This predation has been a contributing factor to the extinction of numerous Australian species and continues to endanger many more, such as the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum. Pet cats are also responsible for an estimated 323 million native animal deaths each year.
Dr. Richard Lucas, owner of Busselton Vet Hospital, has witnessed the negative effects of free-roaming cats. "I've seen many cats injured from wandering, and I've also seen native animals harmed by roaming cats," he stated. He emphasized that cats can lead fulfilling lives in catios, provided these spaces are enriched with elements like climbing structures and plants. These enclosed environments allow cats to experience the outdoors—the sights, sounds, and smells of nature—without posing a risk to wildlife or facing dangers such as traffic, diseases, or altercations with other animals. Experts suggest that contained cats may live up to a decade longer than their free-roaming counterparts.
The catio program in Busselton, supported by a $200 rebate from GeoCatch for participating cat owners, has seen positive early adoption. Local builder Jason Mansfield has installed fifteen catios within the first six months of the program's launch. This initiative aligns with a national trend, as 78% of local governments in Australia have expressed interest in cat containment laws to mitigate the impact of pet cats on native species. A national survey also indicates that 66% of Australians support policies requiring cat containment.
This forward-thinking approach in Busselton offers a tangible solution for responsible pet ownership and fosters a deeper connection between community well-being and environmental stewardship. By creating safe, enclosed spaces for pets, communities can actively contribute to the preservation of their unique natural heritage, ensuring the continued thriving of Australia's diverse wildlife.