Tsunami of cats in Geelong

Jane Emerick
A “TSUNAMI” of cats has forced Geelong Animal Welfare Society to destroy 2070 felines in a year.
Dr Ian Walter said the animal’s high breeding rates and an increase in owners who failed to de-sex their pets had led to surge in feral and unwanted cats arriving at the society’s pound.
The animal welfare society had put down 2070 cats in the past financial year, up from 1948 in the previous 12 months.
“A lot of cats are destroyed,” Dr Walter said.
“They breed September to May and one cat can have as many as three litters, meaning around 12 cats. Those cats are ready to breed at eight months old.
“There are a lot of cats and legally people are allowed to just bring them to us.
“Because there are so many, if they’re sick or have behavioural problems they’re euthanased.”
Dr Walter was shocked at the number of cats turning up at the society’s pound.
“There’s a tsunami of cats,” he said.
“It’s overwhelming the amount of cats coming at us. We have far more than there are people to give them homes.
“We’re asking people to please de-sex their animals. If you want kittens or puppies we have plenty.”
Dr Walter said the society trapped and killed feral cats on behalf of Geelong’s council, which increased the number of cats destroyed this year.
“Apart from decimating wildlife, feral cats also attack other pets and spread diseases,” he said.
Dr Walter praised pet owners for a small decrease in dogs destroyed from 891 to 844.
He said it was the result of owners “taking action” to prevent their dogs having puppies.