A group representing NSW councils is calling for an enforceable cat curfew to protect native wildlife, but the idea has been met with resistance from animal welfare organisations.

Local Government NSW president and Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said making owners lock their cats in at night should be a "no-brainer" decision.

"Cats are predatory animals," she said.

"They will kill birds, they will eat lizards and for the whole of the natural environment, they can do a lot of damage if they're just let go."

The Invasive Species Council (ISC) estimates cat numbers across the country are at anywhere from 7 million to 11.2 million.

That includes an estimated 4.9 million pet cats and up to 5.6 million feral cats, depending on weather conditions.

The ISC estimates roaming cats kill about 96 m

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