Shire cats, the hunt is over

In a few short years, CatBibs have gained credence across the shire as an effective way to stop cats harassing wild animals and birds. The scientifically designed apron is proving to be the cat’s meow when it comes to saving Eurobodalla’s wildlife from feline predation while allowing cats freedom to run and jump, groom and sleep. Eurobodalla Council’s natural resource officer Courtney Fink-Downes said university studies showed CatBibs stopped over 80 percent of cats from catching birds and reduced small-animal predation by nearly half. “Contrary to popular belief, cats hunt even when they are not hungry and roaming domestic cats are a significant conservation issue in Eurobodalla, with birds, lizards, frogs and native mammals like bandicoots and gliders at risk,” Ms Fink-Downes said. “Made from wetsuit-like material, the removable bibs interfere with the coordination needed for successful hunting. We were the first council in Australia to distribute the bibs, with a trial at Congo in 2013-14 to help protect the greater gliders there. “Initially some people thought the cats looked a bit silly in their bibs but the response from the owners using them has been overwhelmingly positive – they no longer have to deal with possum entrails or piles of feathers on the kitchen floor!” CatBibs are available free to owners of microchipped and registered cats and can be collected from local vets or posted direct though the mail. “CatBibs really are the answer for hundreds of Eurobodalla cat owners, who can now let their cat enjoy sunshine outside guilt free,” Ms Fink-Downes said. For more information about Council’s CatBib program or to request a free CatBib, visit our cat ownership page or contact Council’s natural resource officer Courtney Fink-Downes on 4474 1310 or [email protected].