Research has found a single roaming pet cat can kill an average of 186 reptiles, birds and mammals a year. Over 70% of Australian pet cats are allowed to roam causing the death of 390 million animals a year.

Experts are urging owners to keep cats on their property, not only for the preservation of native wildlife but also for the safety of the cat.

Professor Mike Calver from Murdoch University joined the Weekend Catch-Up where he told Mark Gibson the pet cat is one of the only pets people are comfortable allowing to roam.

“If they do roam, obviously they can hunt and cause problems that way,” said Professor Calver.

“They can create nuisance throughout the neighbourhood and it’s not particularly safe for them.

“I don’t think people realise the range of risks they face in our suburbs and how greatly it can reduce the lifespan of a cat if you allow it to roam freely.”

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