RSPCA WA is urging cat owners to keep their pets contained to their property after an influx of surrendered felines.
Since November 1, 2024, 94 cats and 146 kittens came into the shelter.
The high numbers has prompted the animal welfare charity to educate cat owners on the benefits of 'cat containment'.
'Cat containment' refers to keeping owners keeping their cat contained to their property at all times, preventing them from roaming during the day and night.
The cat can either be kept strictly indoors or have access to a secure outdoor cat run enclosure or catio.
Keeping cats contained reduces the risk of them being injured or attacked, being stolen or abused, eating toxic substances and becoming pregnant or impregnating other cats.
A University of Sydney study also estimates each roaming cat in Australia kills on average 186 animals, mostly natives, each year.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said while containing your cat is the best way to ensure they are not deliberately hurt or killed, it was never okay to be cruel to an animal.
“If a cat is deliberately hurt or killed by a member of the public it is solely the perpetrator’s fault – regardless of whether the cat is owned or not,” she said.
“We have seen and prosecuted numerous cases of deliberate cruelty to cats and they are often extremely distressing cases. The most recent case involved a man who confined a cat, named Jamison, in an esky for about 10 hours. Jamison endured a cruel and stressful end to his life and his family was left devasted.
“Another case which comes to mind involved a beloved pet cat named Tiger Tim who was drowned in the Swan River after someone tied a brick to his neck. Another case which resulted in a $2000 fine last year involved a man who picked a cat up by her tail in Piara Waters and swung her through the air before she landed on her side.
“We are aware that roaming cats can be a concern for neighbours, and RSPCA advocates for cat containment, but there is absolutely no excuse for intentional cruelty.
“Please, keep your cat contained to your property. It's safer for them and the environment.”
Cat owners can head to safeandhappycats.com.au to learn more about cat safety and care.
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