Ten Lives Cat Centre is set to begin the next phase of the Richmond Cat Management Project, with targeted trapping activities planned across identified areas of Richmond.
Following recent community consultation and trail camera monitoring, which identified several roaming cat hotspots across Richmond, the project is now moving into its next stage, with targeted trapping activities taking place throughout July.
The Richmond Cat Management Project has been shaped by both local feedback and on the ground monitoring, continuing work that first began in 2020. The project aims to improve outcomes for cats while minimising impacts on native wildlife, slowing the levels of uncontrolled breeding and reducing nuisance behaviours within the community.
Trapping will take place during July 2026 in areas where there have been confirmed sightings of stray or feral cats, and/or where community reports and feedback indicate cats are roaming.
Residents are encouraged to keep their cats safely contained to their properties during the trapping period and ensure their microchip details are up to date. Any cats trapped as part of the project will be surrendered into the care of Ten Lives Cat Centre.
Ten Lives Cat Centre CEO Noel Hunt said the project continues to build on years of community-led efforts to better understand and manage Richmond’s stray cat population, as work was first undertaken in 2020.
“The community has played a critical role in helping us reach this point,” Mr Hunt said.
“This project is about caring for cats as much as it is about protecting wildlife. The next phase focuses on reducing the number of stray and feral cats before the upcoming breeding season begins, while continuing to engage with the community to ensure residents remain part of the solution.”
“At Ten Lives, we love cats, we care deeply about their welfare, and we want every cat to have the opportunity to live a safe, healthy life. That’s why projects like this are so important. By proactively managing stray cat populations and encouraging responsible pet ownership, we’re improving outcomes for cats while reducing their impact on wildlife and the community.”
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the success of the Ten Lives cat management program in Richmond demonstrates what’s possible when councils support local organisations and communities to address environmental challenges in their areas.
“We welcome the start of a new trapping season. This program reduces feral cat numbers to protect wildlife while providing education on the importance of responsible pet ownership.”
“We’re now supporting a similar program in Sandford and its continued success in both areas will help guide future policy work in the cat management space,” Mayor Blomeley said.
Community feedback
Community engagement remains a key part of the project. A total of 107 submissions were received from the survey.
The results highlighted that many Richmond cat owners are already taking positive steps towards responsible pet ownership, with a large proportion reporting that their cats are microchipped and desexed. As well as 69% of respondents stating that they keep their cats fully contained to their property at all times. The survey also revealed strong community awareness of Richmond’s stray and feral cat population. With nearly two-thirds of respondents stating that they were aware of stray/feral cats in the area, most commonly seen on the outskirts of town and within the town centre.
Key concerns raised about roaming cats included their impact on native wildlife, the potential spread of disease, property damage and nuisance behaviours, uncontrolled breeding, and risks to other domestic animals. This community feedback reinforces the need for a coordinated, community supported approach to cat management and highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to address the issue.
Thank you to the Richmond community for your cooperation and support as we work together towards a safer environment for cats, wildlife and residents.
For more information contact: Ten Lives Cat Centre 03 6278 2111