There wasn’t even a hint of cattiness at the first Winter series talk “On the topic of cats” hosted by Predator Free Dunedin in early July. On the contrary, in this fascinating talk Predator Free New Zealand, the SPCA, Veterinarians for Animal Welfare New Zealand and the DCC were united with the discussion about ways that might successfully achieve a balance between cat ownership and conservation.
Did you know:
🐾 Aotearoa has one of the highest cat ownership rates in the world at 1.8 cats per household!
🐾 Research has shown companion cats bring less than 25% of their catches home with them. There’s a lot that cat owners don’t see!
🐾 Native birds have evolved to protect themselves against avian predators by having a “freeze” response. This leaves them particularly vulnerable to predation by cats.
🐾 Cities like Dunedin are seeing spillover of native birdlife from ecosanctuaries and other predator-controlled areas. Residents in urban areas are becoming increasingly conscious of the need to responsibly share the environment with native birdlife, whilst maintaining the welfare of companion cats.
Christine Sumner from the SPCA highlighted that the use of science and technology, combined with normalizing responsible cat ownership, will be key to achieving successful cat management for conservation.
It was clear from the discussion between the panel and audience that the attitudes towards management of domestic versus stray and feral cats, are maturing. Although national legislation for cat management has not yet been achieved, community engagement and feedback has been moving in a positive direction. For example, microchipping and desexing is becoming the norm for companion cats to ensure their welfare and prevent population growth of stray cats.
February 20, 2025
A pawsome discussion on the topic of cats — City Sanctuary
maximios city
There wasn’t even a hint of cattiness at the first Winter series talk “On the topic of cats” hosted by Predator Free Dunedin in early July. On the contrary, in this fascinating talk Predator Free New Zealand, the SPCA, Veterinarians for Animal Welfare New Zealand and the DCC were united with the discussion about ways that might successfully achieve a balance between cat ownership and conservation.
Did you know:
🐾 Aotearoa has one of the highest cat ownership rates in the world at 1.8 cats per household!
🐾 Research has shown companion cats bring less than 25% of their catches home with them. There’s a lot that cat owners don’t see!
🐾 Native birds have evolved to protect themselves against avian predators by having a “freeze” response. This leaves them particularly vulnerable to predation by cats.
🐾 Cities like Dunedin are seeing spillover of native birdlife from ecosanctuaries and other predator-controlled areas. Residents in urban areas are becoming increasingly conscious of the need to responsibly share the environment with native birdlife, whilst maintaining the welfare of companion cats.
Christine Sumner from the SPCA highlighted that the use of science and technology, combined with normalizing responsible cat ownership, will be key to achieving successful cat management for conservation.
It was clear from the discussion between the panel and audience that the attitudes towards management of domestic versus stray and feral cats, are maturing. Although national legislation for cat management has not yet been achieved, community engagement and feedback has been moving in a positive direction. For example, microchipping and desexing is becoming the norm for companion cats to ensure their welfare and prevent population growth of stray cats.