Semi-owned cats

There are around 227,000 registered cats in Victoria. Many more remain unregistered, semi-owned or unowned, living in both urban and natural environments.

Semi-owned and unowned cats, often referred to as stray cats, present significant management challenges. Unlike owned cats, they lack consistent, responsible caregivers. This absence contributes to a range of issues affecting both the cats and their surroundings.

These cats reproduce quickly, leading to unchecked population growth. Cat overpopulation is a serious concern, as there are often more cats than can be rehomed. Their unmanaged lifestyles increase the risk of disease transmission, injuries and harm to wildlife and biodiversity.

One major factor driving overpopulation is the lack of desexing among domestic cats. Cats can begin breeding as early as 4 months old, producing up to 3 litters annually. Research shows that people who feed cats without assuming full responsibility for them contribute significantly to this problem. While feeding these cats is often an act of compassion, many people are unaware that it can inadvertently contribute to overpopulation unless accompanied by further actions.

Most of these cats have a life expectancy of only a few years. The most responsible approach is to take them to a vet to check for an owner. If no owner is found, desexing, microchipping and providing a permanent home are essential steps. If you are unable do this, contact your local council for assistance with stray cats.

The Story of Tanya and Tom (RSPCA NSW video)