Cats in Australia could soon be banned from going outdoors 24/7

SYDNEY, Australia (KTRK) -- Wildlife officials in Australia are pushing for countrywide laws requiring pet owners to keep their cats inside all the time.

Australia's first threatened species commissioner, Gregory Andrews, said all cat owners should keep their pets contained, The Sydney Morning Herald reports. He claims the move would save native mammals from cat attacks. He also claims indoor-old cats are happier and healthier.

But not all veterinarians agree.

"Some cats are very stressed when they are confined, it can actually induce behavioral issues and some physical problems as well," said Michael Archinal.

In terms of domestic animals' health while in containment, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or RSPCA, actually said it prefers cat owners keep their pets contained, as long as the animals' needs are met.

The paper points out the Australian federal government does not have the power to make laws to force pet owners to keep domestic cat indoors. However, the government could work with state and local officials to create and enforce outdoor cat bans.