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Feral cats

Asset protection: Feral cats can thrive in many different areas of the Sunshine Coast. They are a major threat to our native wildlife.

Feral cats are one of Australia's most destructive invasive species. They prey on native animals, spread disease and contribute to biodiversity loss across the Sunshine Coast.

A feral cat (Felis catus) is any cat that is living in the wild – not owned or cared for by humans. 

Feral cat is a restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014. They must not be moved, fed, given away, sold or released into the environment. They are also listed as an asset protection species in our Biosecurity Plan. These species occur across the whole of the Sunshine Coast. These species should be managed when they threaten or impact high-value assets. This may include important environmental, agricultural or community assets.

Why feral cats are a problem

  • Kill native birds, reptiles and small mammals.
  • Spread diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which affects wildlife and livestock.
  • Compete with native predators for food and habitat.

Available services

Sunshine Coast Council can assist landholders with feral cat management by providing support and guidance, not direct control. Council provides the following services.

  • Loan of feral cat trapping equipment (initial 4-week period).
  • Demonstration and advice on how to set up and operate traps safely and effectively.
  • Check for registration tag, microchip and temperament test are conducted. Domestic cats found to be straying are transported to the pound for processing.
  • Humane euthanasia service for targeted animals (feral cats).

Council programs protecting against feral cats

Mary River turtle protection program – reducing impacts on sensitive habitats in the Mary River catchment.

How you can help

  1. Participate in Council control programs.
  2. Never dump or abandon cats – it's illegal under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014.
  3. Public awareness: Educate friends, family and neighbours about the risks of pet abandonment to roaming pets.
  4. Be a responsible pet owner and keep your pets safe and on your property and away from control areas. Your pet your responsibility.

Resources

Feral cats shown at night using night imaging.
Feral cat bearing teeth sitting on the ground.
Feral cat with dirt around mouth area.
Council officer showing resident how to use a feral cat cage.
Feral cats with kitten in it mouth shown at night using night imaging.