Why Feral Cats Should Be Classified as Pests in New Zealand

New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 vision is one of the most ambitious biodiversity restoration projects in the world. It targets key introduced species like rats, possums, and mustelids, but one major predator is still missing from the official list: the feral cat.

Despite decades of ecological research, feral cats remain one of the most under-addressed threats to our native wildlife. A recent insights paper, commissioned by the Department of Conservation and published in 2024, strongly argues for including feral cats in the national pest management strategy and here’s why.

Feral Cats: A Silent but Deadly Threat
Feral cats (Felis catus) are not domestic pets. They are wild, unowned and prolific hunters.  

• Feral cats prey on a wide range of native species including birds, lizards, frogs, invertebrates, and even bats.
• They pose a particular threat to ground-nesting birds, many of which are already endangered or struggling to recover.
• Cats are responsible for localised population collapses in some regions, and their impact is often underestimated because it occurs out of sight and usually at night.

Ecological Risk of Exclusion
The Predator Free 2050 review makes it clear: excluding feral cats while targeting other predators is a risky move. When species like rats, stoats, or possums are removed, cats may increase in number due to reduced competition, a phenomenon known as mesopredator release.

Failing to control feral cats could undermine the entire PF2050 strategy. Native species protected from one predator could be wiped out by another, potentially reversing years of conservation gains.

The Social and Political Challenge
Historically, feral cats were excluded from the target list due to public sensitivity and concerns around animal welfare. However, public sentiment is changing, especially in rural and conservation-focused communities.

Support for feral cat control on public conservation land is growing. The paper recommends their inclusion during the current research, development, and innovation phase, to prepare tools, build social licence, and ensure that no major predator is left unmanaged.

A Necessary Step Forward
If New Zealand is serious about reversing biodiversity loss and meeting its PF2050 goals, feral cats must be included in pest management strategies. The science is clear: their ecological impact is significant, their presence is widespread, and their exclusion is both illogical and dangerous.

Take Action
Feral cats are a growing problem but action is possible. If you're managing land or looking to protect native species, Pestgard offers humane, effective live capture cage traps for safe and responsible control.

Explore Pestgard Feral Cat Traps or contact our team for expert advice.