Cats in Australia kill over 510 million birds yearly. Discover 2025 statistics on domestic vs feral cats, their impact on wildlife, and how to protect native birds.

Australia is a paradise for bird lovers, home to over 830 unique species, nearly half of which exist nowhere else on Earth. Yet, these native birds face a silent predator that roams both city streets and the vast outback: cats.

Recent studies reveal that cats in Australia kill over 510 million birds every year that’s roughly 15 birds every second. Both domestic and feral cats are responsible, but their impact differs dramatically. Understanding these statistics is crucial if we want to protect Australia’s remarkable wildlife.

Key Statistics on Cats and Bird Deaths in Australia

1. 60% of Cats Are Domestic, 40% Are Feral
   Australia has around 3.77 million domestic cats, with a feral population that fluctuates between 1.4 and 5.6 million, depending on environmental conditions.
2. Feral Cats Kill 2 Billion Animals Annually
   Spread across 99.8% of the mainland, feral cats hunt relentlessly, targeting birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
3. Bird Deaths Range from 161–757 Million a Year
   Wet years boost feral cat populations, dramatically increasing bird mortality.
4. 99% of Birds Killed Are Native
   Even though some introduced birds exist in Australia, the vast majority of cat kills are native species.
5. Feral Cats Kill 4x More Animals Per Cat
   Unlike domestic cats, feral cats rely entirely on hunting for survival.
6. Urban Cats Kill 28–52x More Per km²
   High urban cat density means that pet cats collectively cause heavy local wildlife losses.
7. Native Prey Face 20–200x More Risk from Cats
   Compared to natural predators like the spotted-tailed quoll, cats are far deadlier.
8. Cats Linked to 25 Mammal Extinctions Since 1788
   Small, ground-dwelling mammals have been wiped out largely due to predation.
9. Nine Bird Species Have Gone Extinct
   Another 22 species have disappeared from parts of Australia since European settlement.
10. 69% of Australia Has Lost at Least One Bird Species
    Regions where birds nest on the ground have been hit hardest by cat predation.

By acting now, we can protect Australia’s unique birdlife for future generations.

Why Feral Cats Are So Dangerous

Feral cats are the apex invasive predator in Australia. They thrive in every habitat—from deserts and grasslands to alpine zones and urban fringes. Their ability to hunt mammals, reptiles, and birds up to 4kg makes them a constant threat to wildlife. During wet cycles, feral cat numbers explode, and so does the devastation to native species.

Domestic Cats Also Play a Role

While your pet cat may seem harmless, even well-fed domestic cats hunt instinctively. Research shows that urban cats kill up to 52 times more animals per km² than feral cats in the bush because of their dense populations.

If you love your cat and Australia’s unique birds, consider:

• Keeping cats indoors or in outdoor cat enclosures.
• Using cat collars with bells to reduce hunting success.
• Desexing cats to prevent unwanted litters that fuel feral populations.

FAQ

Which Habitats Do Feral Cats Live In?
Everywhere—cities, farms, forests, deserts, and wetlands. They are highly adaptable and survive even in Australia’s harshest environments.

What Do Feral Cats Eat?
Mostly small mammals, birds, and reptiles. In arid zones, reptiles often make up the majority of their diet.

Are Domestic and Feral Cats the Same?
Yes, they are the same species. However, feral cats often grow larger and stronger due to natural selection in the wild.

Cats are beautiful companions, but they are also devastating predators to Australia’s native birds. With over 500 million birds killed annually, the need for responsible cat ownership and feral cat management has never been more urgent.