Council warns of cat population boom
In a move that’s left locals scratching their heads—and maybe their whiskers—Wyndham City Council has erected signs warning residents not to feed stray cats, citing concerns about feline population explosions.
Advertisement
A photo of the sign, believed to be somewhere in Tarneit, was shared in a local community Facebook group. The bold blue poster features an ominous infographic that starts with one cat and ends with what looks like a small furry army – akin to the pixelated swarm from the 80’s hit video game Space Invaders.
The message? That feeding a single stray cat could lead to dozens more within months. It’s like a cat version of The Gremlins—but with more purring and fewer cinema snacks.
The top of the sign asks, “Are you feeding a bigger problem?” before warning, “Please do not feed the cats.” A warning, it seems, aimed at the soft-hearted among us who think every meow is a cry for help—or a cue to break out the Whiskas.
It’s an interesting priority, considering the laundry list of local issues vying for attention—traffic congestion, planning disputes, park maintenance, and the occasional bin that mysteriously disappears on bin day. Yet somehow, someone at council HQ said, “You know what this city really needs? A cat fertility forecast sign.”
It’s not to say that feral cats aren’t a genuine issue—wild colonies can impact native wildlife and multiply quickly. But for many residents, this is the first time they’ve even heard of people feeding cats in public spaces. Ducks at the lake? Sure. Cats loitering near the swings hoping for a snack? Not so much.
Advertisement
Local reactions have been mixed, with some amused and others puzzled by the sudden focus on felines. “I’ve lived here ten years and have never once seen someone feeding a cat in a park,” said one commenter. “Now I’m wondering if I’ve just not been looking hard enough.”
So next time you’re tempted to toss a bit of tuna toward a whiskered wanderer, just remember—you might be feeding a bigger problem. Or at least, you might end up on council’s radar in their next campaign: Operation No More Meow Mix.
