Cats are running wild in one state. This unpopular law may be the solution

Pet cats are running wild in Western Australia and council attempts to control them keep resulting in failure and frustration, new research has found.

Cats are roaming the streets unregistered and without microchips.

Many also haven't been desexed, which could contribute the state's stray and feral cat population.

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Now research from The University of Western Australia and Murdoch University has revealed that while the cats themselves may not be the problem, keeping them indoors could be the solution.

A survey of 103 of WA's 139 local government areas (LGAs) found there was poor community awareness of what responsible cat ownership involves.

WA's Cat Act 2011 requires owners desex, microchip and register their pets by the time they're six months old.

Cats should also wear an identification in public places.

But only 14 of the 139 LGAs reported high registration and microchipping compliance.

Just 17 reported high desexing compliance, and only five reported high levels of responsible pet cat ownership awareness.

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As well as putting cats at risk of illness and injury, low rates of responsible cat ownership in WA threatens the welfare and conservation of native wildlife.

But is permanent cat containment legislation (banning cats from roaming outdoors) the right solution?

An increasing body of research has shown that keeping cats indoors full-time and limiting outdoor access to enclosed areas or while on a leash is better for the cat's welfare.

It's also better for the welfare of other animals domestic cats often prey upon.

But many owners who allow their cats to roam are staunchly against such measures.

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According to the research, only three LGAs in WA have been successful in introducing permanent cat containment laws to keep cats indoors.

Others have tried but failed.

Despite this, 80 of the 103 LGAs surveyed said they would introduce permanent cat containment laws if there was a clear pathway to implementation.

"Many LGAs in WA want to (and many have tried to) implement restrictions to prevent pet cats from roaming, with limited success and considerable frustration," the report read.

"Addressing these legislative, community education and enforcement needs will ensure that feline, native wildlife and human values are improved in WA."

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