Recent findings suggest that a nationwide ban on pet cats being allowed outdoors could save Australia billions of dollars. The ban, supported by most Australians according to a new survey, would require cat owners to keep their pets indoors permanently. Councils such as those in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) as well as Geelong and Melbourne are already implementing or considering such measures.

Conducted by Monash University and published by the Biodiversity Council, the survey revealed that 66% of Australians support cat containment, with only 8% opposing it. The remaining 26% were ambivalent. Feral and domestic cats pose significant threats to native wildlife, killing millions of native animals each year.

Moreover, cat-borne diseases, such as toxoplasmosis, have been linked to economic costs totaling $6 billion annually in medical care, lost income, and other expenses. These diseases can impact brain function and pregnancy, with studies noting infection rates between 22% and 66% in Australia.

Local councils enforce varying degrees of cat containment rules, but state and national legislation significantly affect their capacity to act. Proposals for nationwide uniform rules are being considered to mitigate the threats posed by roaming cats, both to wildlife and human health.