City of Darwin is rolling out a free cat desexing program in targeted suburbs following its six-month Cat Tracking Program.
The program recorded 168 reports and identified 221 cats, highlighting roaming, hunting and nuisance behaviours.
Using this data, City of Darwin is supporting responsible pet ownership, reducing roaming cats and protecting the local environment.
City of Darwin is offering free cat desexing for residents in suburbs identified as having the highest rates of stray, roaming and impounded cats, following the success of its six-month Cat Tracking Program.
The program, which ran from July 2025 to January 2026, was designed to build community awareness about the risks roaming cats have on themselves, local wildlife and the environment. Residents were encouraged to report sightings of roaming cats, generating valuable data to guide future action.
The free desexing program will be rolled out in suburbs with the highest rates of roaming reports: Nightcliff, Coconut Grove, Rapid Creek, Alawa, Jingili, Moil, Casuarina, Anula, Wulagi, Karama, Malak, Darwin City and Parap.
Over the six-month period, the program recorded 168 reports, identifying 221 cats and 42 kittens across the municipality.
The findings highlighted key concerns, including 26 cats observed hunting, 29 reported as a nuisance, and six found within protected or biodiversity areas. Additionally, 51 cats were seen near roads or carparks, reinforcing the risks roaming poses to animal safety.
The data has enabled City of Darwin to take an evidence-based approach to improving responsible pet ownership across the municipality.
Desexing plays a key role in responsible pet ownership, with desexed cats less likely to roam, fight, or contribute to unwanted litters.
In addition to improving animal welfare, the initiative aims to protect Darwin's unique environment and reduce nuisance behaviours associated with roaming cats.
City of Darwin Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the Cat Tracking Program has delivered important insights into local cat behaviour and community attitudes.
"We're now using that data to take practical action, including delivering free desexing in priority suburbs to support residents and reduce cat roaming behaviour."
Mr Styles thanked residents who participated in the Cat Tracking Program, noting that community involvement had been critical in shaping the next phase of animal management and education initiatives.
Residents are encouraged to check registration dates for their suburb:
Nightcliff, Coconut Grove and Rapid Creek:
Registration open from 6 to 8 April.
Alawa, Jingili, Moil and Casuarina:
Registration open from 13 to 15 April.
Anula, Wulagi, Karama and Malak:
Registration open from 20 to 22 April.
Darwin City and Parap:
Registration open 27 to 29 April.
Other areas within Darwin region:
Registration open from 4 to 6 May.
