City of Darwin has desexed 60 owned pet cats in suburbs with the highest rates of roaming cats and cat impoundments, helping reduce unwanted litters and limiting the number of cats that may eventually contribute to Darwin's stray and feral cat population.
Delivered in partnership with RSPCA Northern Territory between May and June 2026, the targeted desexing program offered free desexing for owned pet cats in suburbs identified through City of Darwin's Cat Tracking Program as having the highest rates of roaming cats and cat impoundments, including Nightcliff, Moil, Karama, Darwin City and surrounding areas.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the initiative was a direct response to findings from the Cat Tracking Program, which provided valuable insights into cat movement and roaming behaviour across Darwin.
"The Cat Tracking Program showed us where roaming pet cats were most active across Darwin, and this desexing program is a direct response to those findings," Mr Styles said.
"While this program focused on owned pet cats, desexing is one of the most effective long-term ways to reduce unwanted litters that can contribute to the stray and feral cat population.
"By desexing 35 female cats and 25 male cats, we're helping prevent future generations of unwanted cats while improving animal welfare and reducing impacts on native wildlife.
All City of Darwin's desexing programs incorporate pet registration and animal education to encourage responsible pet ownership," he said.
The desexing program forms part of City of Darwin's broader commitment to responsible pet ownership and animal management, supporting healthier pets while helping protect local wildlife and the environment.
While the program marks an important step in addressing cat overpopulation, City of Darwin encourages all cat owners to have their pets desexed and registered.
"Every responsible pet owner has a role to play," Mr Styles said.
"Together with registration and keeping cats safely at home, desexing is one of the most effective ways our community can help protect Darwin's unique wildlife and improve animal welfare," he said.
City of Darwin will continue working with community partners to promote responsible pet ownership and deliver initiatives that support positive animal welfare outcomes across Darwin.
