Stray and feral cats will be targeted in Richmond this month as part of a local effort to reduce roaming cat numbers before breeding season begins.
The Ten Lives Cat Centre program follows community consultation and trail camera monitoring across the historic town, north-east of Hobart.
Ten Lives chief executive Noel Hunt said 64% of survey respondents were aware of stray or feral cats in Richmond and were concerned about their impact on wildlife, pets and the broader community.
All cats caught through the program will be taken into the care of Ten Lives.
Hunt said the aim was to reduce cat numbers humanely, while giving cats a better chance at a safe and healthy life.
“This project is about caring for cats as much as it is about protecting wildlife,” he said.
“At Ten Lives, we love cats, we care deeply about their welfare and we want every cat to have the opportunity to live a safe, healthy life.”
The work builds on efforts first undertaken in Richmond in 2020.
Hunt said surveys, local knowledge and trail camera monitoring had given the centre valuable information about roaming cats and residents’ concerns about wildlife, neighbourhood disturbances and cat welfare.
Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley said the program showed what was possible when councils backed local organisations to tackle environmental problems at a community level.
“We welcome the start of a new trapping season,” Blomeley said.
“This program reduces feral cat numbers to protect wildlife while providing education on the importance of responsible pet ownership.”
Blomeley said the council was still waiting for the state government to release its 2024-2029 Cat Management Plan, which is years behind schedule.
A similar program is now running at Sandford, with results from both areas expected to help guide future policy.
Richmond residents are being urged to keep their cats contained to their properties while trapping is under way and to check their cat’s microchip details are up to date.
