More than 7,600 cats have been desexed under phase two of the NSW Government and RSPCA NSW Keeping Cats Safe at Home (KCSAH) program, surpassing its 18‑month target seven months early.
The success, driven by strong collaboration with cat owners, veterinarians and councils, is improving animal welfare while reducing roaming cats and their impact on native wildlife
KCSAH increases desexing, microchipping and cat registration, while encouraging people to voluntarily contain their pet cats through community engagement and education initiatives.
The program is exceeding expectations thanks to momentum from phase one of the program, enormous demand and passionate participants.
Domestic cats kill tens of millions of native animals each year, including an estimated 53 million reptiles, 61 million birds and 67 million mammals.
Tragically, two-in-three cat owners have lost a pet to a roaming-related accident, with a third of accidents involving cars.
The $6 million program is funded by the NSW Environmental Trust to support 30 councils to curb devastating impacts cats have on native wildlife, while helping pet cats live longer.
KCSAH monitors free-roaming cat numbers, changes in owner behaviour, and impacts such as complaints, shelter intake and wildlife injuries. The work is supported by ongoing research and partnerships with universities.
