FAQs

Yes. Wild or feral cats are defined as pests within the Southland Regional Pest Management Plan. Domestic or pet cats are defined as pest agents. This is due to the fact they may help wild cats to reproduce through interbreeding or spread by escaping or being dumped by their owners.

Cats are highly efficient predators. Their diet is wide-ranging and includes small mammals, fish, birds and invertebrates. New Zealand’s unique native wildlife is particularly vulnerable. Feral cats kill young and adult birds. They occasionally take eggs, prey on lizards, fish, frogs and large invertebrates. 

Feral cats carry and spread diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which causes illness in humans, and bovine tuberculosis.

Feral cats can be aggressive towards pet cats. Fighting can cause severe injuries. They also interbreed with pet cats and may spread infectious diseases. 

Cats live in urban, rural and forest habitats from sea level to the mountains.

Feral cats tend to be solitary and territorial animals compared to domestic stray or unwanted cats that tend to form colonies.

Female cats produce two to three litters per year with an average of five young in each.

Owners can make a difference by desexing their pet cat and keeping them indoors at night.