STRAYING cats sparked 240 complaints and led to 407 animals being impounded in the Redlands last financial year.
Latest figures reveal the scale of the problem, with roaming cats continuing to draw frustration from the community.
Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said straying cats were creating significant issues for neighbours, local wildlife and animal safety.
“Council received 240 complaints in relation to straying cats last financial year,” Cr Talty said.
“In addition, 407 cats were impounded at Redland Animal Shelter because of them straying onto neighbouring properties and causing a nuisance.
“Straying cats often have instinctive hunting habits, creating a significant environmental issue given the impacts on local wildlife, particularly birds, reptiles and small mammals. They can also be hit by cars, injured by other animals or exposed to feline diseases.”
Cr Talty said keeping cats indoors or in secure outdoor enclosures protected both pets and biodiversity, while registration and microchipping helped ensure lost animals could be reunited with their owners.
“Registration and microchipping help to reunite pets with their owners should they become lost or be impounded,” she said.
“They also help Council plan and deliver animal management services.”
Brisbane City Council said it was contacted 1156 times about wild, stray or feral cats.
In total, 1464 cats were received at the Warra and Willawong Animal Rehoming Centre, 166 cats were reclaimed by their owners, and 1635 adoptions were made from the centres.
Australia-wide, research shows roaming pet cats kill an estimated 390 million animals each year, while feral cats kill billions more.
The RSPCA says cats kept safely at home live longer, healthier lives, with indoor cats often living up to four years longer than those allowed to roam.
Under Redland City Council rules, all cats over three months old must be microchipped and registered, with discounts available for desexed cats.
