What if one small change at home could make a big difference for both your pet and local wildlife?

Public Libraries Victoria, Zoos Victoria and RSPCA Victoria have joined forces for the Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife initiative, supporting pet owners to keep their cats safe and protect local wildlife.

Why It Matters

Cats are beloved members of many households, but when they roam freely, they face a range of risks – traffic, disease, fights, and becoming lost. At the same time, even well-fed pet cats can instinctively hunt, putting pressure on native wildlife, especially in urban areas where many vulnerable species live.
Did you know –

• 1 in 3 households have a cat
• Only 1 in 7 roaming cats return home if lost
• Roaming cats significantly impact urban wildlife, with 46% of endangered species found in urban areas.

How Libraries Are Getting Involved

Public libraries are proud to support initiatives like Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife by helping our community access trusted information and practical advice.

Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife is all about creating a safer environment for pets and the natural world we share. By making small changes at home, we can all contribute to healthier communities, for our cats and for local wildlife.

Visit your local Brimbank Libraries branch for a variety of resources and activities to learn more.

Supporting Responsible Cat Ownership in Brimbank

For Brimbank City Council residents, this approach is reflected in Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan, which focuses on responsible pet ownership and community wellbeing. A key initiative is the gradual introduction of cat containment requirements, meaning cats will need to be kept within their owner’s property. A transition period, along with education and resources, will support residents to make this change.

The plan also reinforces important responsibilities for cat owners, including registration, microchipping, and desexing. Together, these measures aim to reduce roaming and overpopulation, protect local wildlife, and support safer, healthier lives for pets across Brimbank.