Kangaroo Island Cat Control Committee

- Cat Management on Kangaroo Island -
Residents Response

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Board and Kangaroo Island Council initiated a Cat Management Survey that was to be completed by 24 March 2005. This survey is in line with a similar survey undertaken in 1993 when Kangaroo Island residents indicated that pro active cat management on Kangaroo Island is favoured.

1. Are you in favour of legislation for compulsory de-sexing of cats except those used for breeding?
2. Are you in favour of legislation for compulsory identification for all domestic cats?
3. Are you in favour of legislation for compulsory registration for domestic cats kept for breeding?
4. Are you in favour of legislation that requires owners to confine cats to their own properties at least at night?

In 1993, 1159 residents responded to the survey with greater than 80% indicating positive support for all the above questions. This latest survey, initiated as part of the Dog and Cat Management Act requirements, was designed to determine if the Kangaroo Island community still supports similar measures of cat management.

Results

Three hundred and eighty six residents responded to the recent cat survey undertaken by the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Board and Kangaroo Island Council and the results are summarised in the Table.

The results support the findings of the 1993 survey that indicated that residents were in favour of proactive cat management measures. Cat owners were also supportive with the majority of the 83 cat owner respondents supporting strong cat management measures, with the exception of cats being confined during the day (46% support). Cat owners were strongly in favour of cats being desexed with 91% of pet cats already desexed. In addition, 65% of domestic cats were confined at night and 27% during the day.

This survey provides strong support for proactive cat management and indicates that the majority of cat owners are already responsibly managing their pets. If you would like further information regarding this survey please contact Pip Masters (KINRB) 85532833, Les Gullickson or Ray Louth at the KI Council on 85532015.