Abstract

<jats:p>
The diet of feral cats (Felis catus) was studied at Lake
Burrendong, central-eastern New South Wales, from July 1994 to June 1997.
Mammals were the major prey in 499 scats that were analysed. Rabbits
(Oryctolagus cuniculus) were the staple prey, while
carrion was an important secondary food. Invertebrates, other mammalian prey,
vegetation, birds and reptiles were generally minor components of the diet.
Few significant seasonal differences in diet were found; however,
invertebrates contributed less and possums more to the diet in winter and
summer respectively. A significant dietary response was found to changes in
rabbit abundance, but not for the other prey types. Cats continued to prey
heavily on rabbits even after a 90% decline in rabbit abundance
occurred, which coincided with the advent of Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD).
House mice (Mus domesticus) increased in importance in
the diet ten months post-RCD. Although the abundance of cats was correlated
with the abundance of some prey species, other factors may have influenced the
observed patterns; these are discussed.</jats:p>