The man recently opened one of the doors of his home and was greeted with the confronting sight of the dead possum.

He believes it was killed by a cat.

"It just looked so pathetic. It was a disheartening thing to see," he said.

The possum was regularly spotted around their home and it was a welcomed guest.

The man does not want other native animals to suffer the same grim death and wants cat and dogs owners to be more responsible.

He suggests people might want to keep their cats inside.

It should be noted that many cat owners on the South Coast do the right thing by keeping their pets inside.

However, others do not and native animals are harmed as a result.

According to the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment responsible pet ownership allows you to enjoy the presence of native birds and animals in your surroundings as well as your pet.

"Pets provide companionship and promote respect for the natural world," the department advises.

"However, poor management of domestic animals can impact severely on animal welfare and the environment.

"Feral animals, many of which were brought to Australia as domestic animals but have gone wild, now cause enormous problems."

The department puts forward the following advice.

"Keep cats inside overnight-and particularly at dawn and dusk," the department advices.

"Even well fed cats roaming at night hunt and kill possums and other small native mammals while birds are often targets at dawn and dusk when they are most active.

"It will also protect the cat from fights and the subsequent infection and disease, and reduces the risk of your cat being run over."

The department also has a section on responsible dog ownership.

"Ensure that dogs are kept under control," the department states.

"Put dogs on leashes in nature reserves or bushland where native animals are likely to be vulnerable.

"Keep your dog confined in the backyard, particularly when you are not there.

"If you live in a flat, walk your dog daily and properly train your dog to respond to your commands."