Cats to Australia
May 12th 2009, 2:00 am
#16
Account Closed
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 351
Re: Cats to Australia
Rubbish. The impact of pet cat predation on native wildlife in urban suburbs within Australia has been researched many times, yet this myth still persists.
Roughly one third of Australian households have at least one pet cat. The reports have shown that 60%-65% of household cats in Australia don't even hunt and the 35% that do tend to focus on introduced species (like rabbits, black rats, etc)
A 1998 report showed that the vast majority of native wildlife killed are done so by the following (in order) man, cars, foxes, rabbits, rats, hoofed animals, changes to water ways, introduced birds, pollution. Other reports have shown that of those household pet cats that do hunt they catch on average 1.94 - 3.4 native animals a year (not a night, week or month) and native birds count for less than 1% of those. A WIRES report in 1997 showed that 87% of surveyed road kill identified were native species and the author estimated that some 12 million native animals were killed by cats each year. almost ten times the impact of feral and household cats combined.
There is as much chance that my cat would kill a Brushy Possum or Cockatoo as there is that your "Spoodle" would kill Skippy the Kangaroo. In other words for those who would blame my cat or his cat or her cat for being the harbinger of death for local Australian wildlife, take a look in the mirror.
Al
Roughly one third of Australian households have at least one pet cat. The reports have shown that 60%-65% of household cats in Australia don't even hunt and the 35% that do tend to focus on introduced species (like rabbits, black rats, etc)
A 1998 report showed that the vast majority of native wildlife killed are done so by the following (in order) man, cars, foxes, rabbits, rats, hoofed animals, changes to water ways, introduced birds, pollution. Other reports have shown that of those household pet cats that do hunt they catch on average 1.94 - 3.4 native animals a year (not a night, week or month) and native birds count for less than 1% of those. A WIRES report in 1997 showed that 87% of surveyed road kill identified were native species and the author estimated that some 12 million native animals were killed by cats each year. almost ten times the impact of feral and household cats combined.
There is as much chance that my cat would kill a Brushy Possum or Cockatoo as there is that your "Spoodle" would kill Skippy the Kangaroo. In other words for those who would blame my cat or his cat or her cat for being the harbinger of death for local Australian wildlife, take a look in the mirror.
Al
What's your answer to cats using other peoples' gardens as toilets ??
May 12th 2009, 3:49 am
#17
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 23,400
Re: Cats to Australia
Rubbish. The impact of pet cat predation on native wildlife in urban suburbs within Australia has been researched many times, yet this myth still persists.
Roughly one third of Australian households have at least one pet cat. The reports have shown that 60%-65% of household cats in Australia don't even hunt and the 35% that do tend to focus on introduced species (like rabbits, black rats, etc)
A 1998 report showed that the vast majority of native wildlife killed are done so by the following (in order) man, cars, foxes, rabbits, rats, hoofed animals, changes to water ways, introduced birds, pollution. Other reports have shown that of those household pet cats that do hunt they catch on average 1.94 - 3.4 native animals a year (not a night, week or month) and native birds count for less than 1% of those. A WIRES report in 1997 showed that 87% of surveyed road kill identified were native species and the author estimated that some 12 million native animals were killed by cats each year. almost ten times the impact of feral and household cats combined.
There is as much chance that my cat would kill a Brushy Possum or Cockatoo as there is that your "Spoodle" would kill Skippy the Kangaroo. In other words for those who would blame my cat or his cat or her cat for being the harbinger of death for local Australian wildlife, take a look in the mirror.
Al
Roughly one third of Australian households have at least one pet cat. The reports have shown that 60%-65% of household cats in Australia don't even hunt and the 35% that do tend to focus on introduced species (like rabbits, black rats, etc)
A 1998 report showed that the vast majority of native wildlife killed are done so by the following (in order) man, cars, foxes, rabbits, rats, hoofed animals, changes to water ways, introduced birds, pollution. Other reports have shown that of those household pet cats that do hunt they catch on average 1.94 - 3.4 native animals a year (not a night, week or month) and native birds count for less than 1% of those. A WIRES report in 1997 showed that 87% of surveyed road kill identified were native species and the author estimated that some 12 million native animals were killed by cats each year. almost ten times the impact of feral and household cats combined.
There is as much chance that my cat would kill a Brushy Possum or Cockatoo as there is that your "Spoodle" would kill Skippy the Kangaroo. In other words for those who would blame my cat or his cat or her cat for being the harbinger of death for local Australian wildlife, take a look in the mirror.
Al
Oh I forget, Perth zoo have some info on feline damage and they have it wrong as well, they are all cat haters and have made it up.
Cats are not indigenous to Australia so why cant owners afford a little respect when they bring their cats over. Or would it be different if their cat became prey to something?
Currumbin wildlife hospital had quite a few 'cat casualties' brought in. There are signs everywhere saying 'de sex your cat and keep it in'.
Does it really hurt to do that? Does it really hurt your cat to catproof your garden?
No it doesn't.
May 12th 2009, 8:22 am
#18
No Clean Feed
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Hampton, Victoria
Posts: 1,381
Re: Cats to Australia
Seriously, what has that got to do with the impact of pet cats on native Australian wildlife ?
Oh I get it so the zoos have got it wrong have they? I have worked in Currumbin wildlife sanctuary and Australia zoo, plus some vol. work in a vet in Beerwah, and they have ALL got it wrong about the damage cats can do?
Oh I forget, Perth zoo have some info on feline damage and they have it wrong as well, they are all cat haters and have made it up.
Cats are not indigenous to Australia so why cant owners afford a little respect when they bring their cats over. Or would it be different if their cat became prey to something?
Currumbin wildlife hospital had quite a few 'cat casualties' brought in. There are signs everywhere saying 'de sex your cat and keep it in'.
Does it really hurt to do that? Does it really hurt your cat to catproof your garden?
No it doesn't.
Oh I forget, Perth zoo have some info on feline damage and they have it wrong as well, they are all cat haters and have made it up.
Cats are not indigenous to Australia so why cant owners afford a little respect when they bring their cats over. Or would it be different if their cat became prey to something?
Currumbin wildlife hospital had quite a few 'cat casualties' brought in. There are signs everywhere saying 'de sex your cat and keep it in'.
Does it really hurt to do that? Does it really hurt your cat to catproof your garden?
No it doesn't.
... and according to the actual studies on the impact of pet cat predation on native wildlife yes, they are wrong.
For the record very few pets owned in Australian households are native and the impact of European settlement on the Australian native ecosystem vastly outweighs any impact a little pet cat could have. Pesticides, transports, property development, pollution, non-native animalian viri and infections, all these have had a devastating impact on Australian wildlife. So look as I said, look in the mirror before blaming pet cats.
Al
Last edited by bigAPE; May 12th 2009 at 8:25 am.
May 12th 2009, 11:17 am
#19
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Yarraville, West Melbourne
Posts: 1,014
May 12th 2009, 1:16 pm
#20
Recession Surfing 2006 ->
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Northern Edge of Melbourne
Posts: 1,254
Re: Cats to Australia
We did not bring our cat to Australia after some deep research with thanks to PP during this process we decided to do the following
We searched long and hard for a good home for our cat in the Uk. This was found and after a few visits said good bye to a very happy re-housed cat who now makes and older lady very happy.
We got settled in Melbourne and adopted a cat when we could there are a lot of cats here looking for good homes. There are also loads of feral cats in the city. In the outer suburbs there is an infestation of wee rabbits so if these cats are hunters they are pretty crap at catching rabbits.
In the end I would try and do what is best for your cat, best of luck with your decision.
We searched long and hard for a good home for our cat in the Uk. This was found and after a few visits said good bye to a very happy re-housed cat who now makes and older lady very happy.
We got settled in Melbourne and adopted a cat when we could there are a lot of cats here looking for good homes. There are also loads of feral cats in the city. In the outer suburbs there is an infestation of wee rabbits so if these cats are hunters they are pretty crap at catching rabbits.
In the end I would try and do what is best for your cat, best of luck with your decision.
May 12th 2009, 9:21 pm
#21
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6
Re: Cats to Australia
We did not bring our cat to Australia after some deep research with thanks to PP during this process we decided to do the following
We searched long and hard for a good home for our cat in the Uk. This was found and after a few visits said good bye to a very happy re-housed cat who now makes and older lady very happy.
We got settled in Melbourne and adopted a cat when we could there are a lot of cats here looking for good homes. There are also loads of feral cats in the city. In the outer suburbs there is an infestation of wee rabbits so if these cats are hunters they are pretty crap at catching rabbits.
In the end I would try and do what is best for your cat, best of luck with your decision.
We searched long and hard for a good home for our cat in the Uk. This was found and after a few visits said good bye to a very happy re-housed cat who now makes and older lady very happy.
We got settled in Melbourne and adopted a cat when we could there are a lot of cats here looking for good homes. There are also loads of feral cats in the city. In the outer suburbs there is an infestation of wee rabbits so if these cats are hunters they are pretty crap at catching rabbits.
In the end I would try and do what is best for your cat, best of luck with your decision.
After seeing how they behaved yesterday with the vets I think I might leave it all to one of the pet companies to sort it - they even gave up trying to give them worming tablets
May 12th 2009, 10:52 pm
#22
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 351
Re: Cats to Australia
Do what you would do in England ? Move to the Antarctic ? Buy a dog ?
Seriously, what has that got to do with the impact of pet cats on native Australian wildlife ?
My cats are desexed and live indoors, so before you start throwing accusations about I would get your facts straight
... and according to the actual studies on the impact of pet cat predation on native wildlife yes, they are wrong.
For the record very few pets owned in Australian households are native and the impact of European settlement on the Australian native ecosystem vastly outweighs any impact a little pet cat could have. Pesticides, transports, property development, pollution, non-native animalian viri and infections, all these have had a devastating impact on Australian wildlife. So look as I said, look in the mirror before blaming pet cats.
Al
Seriously, what has that got to do with the impact of pet cats on native Australian wildlife ?
My cats are desexed and live indoors, so before you start throwing accusations about I would get your facts straight
... and according to the actual studies on the impact of pet cat predation on native wildlife yes, they are wrong.
For the record very few pets owned in Australian households are native and the impact of European settlement on the Australian native ecosystem vastly outweighs any impact a little pet cat could have. Pesticides, transports, property development, pollution, non-native animalian viri and infections, all these have had a devastating impact on Australian wildlife. So look as I said, look in the mirror before blaming pet cats.
Al
You are far too defensive on this cat fouling subject - a sign of guilt?!
We haven't even touched on one of the most serious issues of cat/dog fouling which is not cleaned up and that is the extreme danger to children, in particular, from toxic bacteria found in the faeces which amongst other things cause blindness.
May 12th 2009, 11:23 pm
#23
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 106
Re: Cats to Australia
I don't come from England - and only an English person would make such an assumption
You are far too defensive on this cat fouling subject - a sign of guilt?!
We haven't even touched on one of the most serious issues of cat/dog fouling which is not cleaned up and that is the extreme danger to children, in particular, from toxic bacteria found in the faeces which amongst other things cause blindness.
You are far too defensive on this cat fouling subject - a sign of guilt?!
We haven't even touched on one of the most serious issues of cat/dog fouling which is not cleaned up and that is the extreme danger to children, in particular, from toxic bacteria found in the faeces which amongst other things cause blindness.
I can guarantee that there is no sign of guilt or defensiveness here. bigAPE does have cats that live within the confines of their own home and his wife ME cleans their sh$t from a litter tray. Yes toxoplasmosis is an issue, but one that RESPONSIBLE cat owners will address.
Yes feral cats are a problem, so are dogs that are allowed off the lead, so are people that don't act responsibly and that put baby nappies in my bin when theirs overflows. Please show some common sense people and realise that little Fluffy who lives indoors does exist and is in no way a threat to your enjoyment of life or the cleanliness of your garden.
Neither me or my husband are English btw, so I guess your assumption is also misguided
May 12th 2009, 11:40 pm
#24
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 351
Re: Cats to Australia
Don't be such a dickhead. I can't believe the hostility and nastiness some members of this forum show when a sensible questions are asked, you all need to grow up and get lives. I assume that the OP was looking for sensible answers and not a barrage of insults and anti cat posts.
I can guarantee that there is no sign of guilt or defensiveness here. bigAPE does have cats that live within the confines of their own home and his wife ME cleans their sh$t from a litter tray. Yes toxoplasmosis is an issue, but one that RESPONSIBLE cat owners will address.
Yes feral cats are a problem, so are dogs that are allowed off the lead, so are people that don't act responsibly and that put baby nappies in my bin when theirs overflows. Please show some common sense people and realise that little Fluffy who lives indoors does exist and is in no way a threat to your enjoyment of life or the cleanliness of your garden.
Neither me or my husband are English btw, so I guess your assumption is also misguided
I can guarantee that there is no sign of guilt or defensiveness here. bigAPE does have cats that live within the confines of their own home and his wife ME cleans their sh$t from a litter tray. Yes toxoplasmosis is an issue, but one that RESPONSIBLE cat owners will address.
Yes feral cats are a problem, so are dogs that are allowed off the lead, so are people that don't act responsibly and that put baby nappies in my bin when theirs overflows. Please show some common sense people and realise that little Fluffy who lives indoors does exist and is in no way a threat to your enjoyment of life or the cleanliness of your garden.
Neither me or my husband are English btw, so I guess your assumption is also misguided
May 12th 2009, 11:59 pm
#25
Kingscliff NSW/QLD border
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 431
Re: Cats to Australia
Never seen a dog climb a tree..............
May 13th 2009, 12:36 am
#26
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 23,400
Re: Cats to Australia
Do what you would do in England ? Move to the Antarctic ? Buy a dog ?
Seriously, what has that got to do with the impact of pet cats on native Australian wildlife ?
My cats are desexed and live indoors, so before you start throwing accusations about I would get your facts straight
... and according to the actual studies on the impact of pet cat predation on native wildlife yes, they are wrong.
For the record very few pets owned in Australian households are native and the impact of European settlement on the Australian native ecosystem vastly outweighs any impact a little pet cat could have. Pesticides, transports, property development, pollution, non-native animalian viri and infections, all these have had a devastating impact on Australian wildlife. So look as I said, look in the mirror before blaming pet cats.
Al
Seriously, what has that got to do with the impact of pet cats on native Australian wildlife ?
My cats are desexed and live indoors, so before you start throwing accusations about I would get your facts straight
... and according to the actual studies on the impact of pet cat predation on native wildlife yes, they are wrong.
For the record very few pets owned in Australian households are native and the impact of European settlement on the Australian native ecosystem vastly outweighs any impact a little pet cat could have. Pesticides, transports, property development, pollution, non-native animalian viri and infections, all these have had a devastating impact on Australian wildlife. So look as I said, look in the mirror before blaming pet cats.
Al
Its just having worked in a couple of zoos we did have some 'cat casualties' come in and I can only go on what the zoo keepers told me about the effects cats can have.
My colleagues cat killed 2 blue tongue lizards in one week and regularly catches other lizards and has even caught a cockie.
Maybe the statistics are not as high as the zoos make out but I suppose to the locals, a non indigenous specie killing indigenous ones is too much - whatever the numbers.
Once again, I am sorry for sounding as though I was accusing you and fair play to you for keeping your cat in
May 13th 2009, 12:20 pm
#27
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 345
Re: Cats to Australia
lol - I have, to get over a fence.
I am in Oz and my two dogs arrive in 3 weeks and then a few weeks after my cats arrive (hopefully two of tem but one has gone temporarily missing).
I am knocking down my back yard fences so my dogs have free range round the neighbourhood - good exercise. I am also looking for a small breed bitch to put my large crossbreed male over so they can star a wee pack to scare locals and children.
My cats are prolific hunters already and I have decided hey can find their own food when they get here. There are some quite colourful birds in the tree out the back they might like......
bwhahahaha
I am in Oz and my two dogs arrive in 3 weeks and then a few weeks after my cats arrive (hopefully two of tem but one has gone temporarily missing).
I am knocking down my back yard fences so my dogs have free range round the neighbourhood - good exercise. I am also looking for a small breed bitch to put my large crossbreed male over so they can star a wee pack to scare locals and children.
My cats are prolific hunters already and I have decided hey can find their own food when they get here. There are some quite colourful birds in the tree out the back they might like......
bwhahahaha
May 13th 2009, 12:28 pm
#28
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 23,400
Re: Cats to Australia
lol - I have, to get over a fence.
I am in Oz and my two dogs arrive in 3 weeks and then a few weeks after my cats arrive (hopefully two of tem but one has gone temporarily missing).
I am knocking down my back yard fences so my dogs have free range round the neighbourhood - good exercise. I am also looking for a small breed bitch to put my large crossbreed male over so they can star a wee pack to scare locals and children.
My cats are prolific hunters already and I have decided hey can find their own food when they get here. There are some quite colourful birds in the tree out the back they might like......
bwhahahaha
I am in Oz and my two dogs arrive in 3 weeks and then a few weeks after my cats arrive (hopefully two of tem but one has gone temporarily missing).
I am knocking down my back yard fences so my dogs have free range round the neighbourhood - good exercise. I am also looking for a small breed bitch to put my large crossbreed male over so they can star a wee pack to scare locals and children.
My cats are prolific hunters already and I have decided hey can find their own food when they get here. There are some quite colourful birds in the tree out the back they might like......
bwhahahaha
Teach your dog to shit in the neighbours garden or better still in the middle of the road, leaving a large turd for all to see.
Go to the pet shop and ask if they can sell you a large tame parrot for your cat to practise his hunting skills and ask if they can clip the wings to make it easier for your cat.
Ask your vet if you can buy a 'boy cat' and a 'girl cat' to make 'little babies' so you can sell them, or keep some if they are cute enough. Tell him that there can never be too many cats and all your cats will be trained to hunt.
I double dare you.
May 13th 2009, 12:29 pm
#29
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 345
Re: Cats to Australia
Teach your dog to shit in the neighbours garden or better still in the middle of the road, leaving a large turd for all to see.
Go to the pet shop and ask if they can sell you a large tame parrot for your cat to practise his hunting skills and ask if they can clip the wings to make it easier for your cat.
Ask your vet if you can buy a 'boy cat' and a 'girl cat' to make 'little babies' so you can sell them, or keep some if they are cute enough. Tell him that there can never be too many cats and all your cats will be trained to hunt.
I double dare you.
Go to the pet shop and ask if they can sell you a large tame parrot for your cat to practise his hunting skills and ask if they can clip the wings to make it easier for your cat.
Ask your vet if you can buy a 'boy cat' and a 'girl cat' to make 'little babies' so you can sell them, or keep some if they are cute enough. Tell him that there can never be too many cats and all your cats will be trained to hunt.
I double dare you.
Wanna come with me when I do it?
I thnk Ill go to the SPCA to start my collection - they have plenty of animals, and some are even expeienced at hunting and roaming.
Last edited by bananalana; May 13th 2009 at 12:34 pm.
May 13th 2009, 12:43 pm
#30
Account Closed
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,784
Re: Cats to Australia
Cats are evil.