Northern beaches residents are certainly huge cat-lovers, with an estimated 50,000 moggies living in our LGA.

While we love our furry friends, sadly they don’t co-exist well with our native animals.

Owners who let their cats roam might not think their precious pet is doing much damage, but according to research, each roaming domestic cat kills on average 186 reptiles, birds and mammals per year.

With this in mind, Council has joined forces with the NSW Government and RSPCA NSW in encouraging cat owners to keep their pets safe at home.

The new program will not only help curb the toll on our precious native wildlife, it aims to improve the health and safety of domestic cats as roaming cats are at significant risk of contracting infectious diseases, being injured or killed on the road.

The NSW Government has awarded a $2.5 million grant from the NSW Environmental Trust to RSPCA NSW to deliver the Keeping Cats Safe at Home project.

Northern Beaches Council is one of 11 partner councils involved in the program, with each council to receive a tailored program to address specific needs and challenges within their area, such as improved access to free desexing and microchipping for cat owners.

The project will see Council work with local veterinarians, companion animal groups, cat owners, wildlife groups and the community to change attitudes and behaviours towards responsible cat ownership.

For more information on the program and how to look after your cat, visit the RSPCA website.