Policy

NZVA strongly supports those principles of cat ownership that contribute to creating a harmonious relationship between people, their animals and the environment.

Explanation

While the benefits of owning a cat are well researched and documented, there is a proportion of society that chooses not to own a cat. Consideration for the needs of non-cat owners and the maintenance or enhancement of the environment (including the preservation of native animals, especially birds, skinks and geckos) must be recognised.

Definitions

There is acceptance in the scientific community that cats can be grouped into three distinct categories according to their ecology.

1. Domestic cats

These cats live entirely with humans, and could be described as "pet" cats. They are dependent on humans to provide their food, water and shelter, as well as for their health and welfare. Their opportunities to breed are largely controlled by humans.

Intending and current owners should receive education about their responsibilities and ongoing commitment to their cat’s care. See Principles.

2. Stray/unowned cats

These cats have many of their needs indirectly supplied by humans. Stray cats live in shelter provided by human habitation (e.g. industrial sites or farm sheds), and may acquire much of their food by scavenging (from rubbish dumps, etc).

Stray cats are not necessarily domestic cats that have strayed but are those that have probably been born in the "wild" and then live in and around human habitation. They are likely to interbreed with the domestic cat population. Most farm cats could be considered part of this group.

Where the support of the landowner, tenant or manager can be obtained, and ongoing resources allow it, cats in colonies should be identified, desexed, have their health and welfare needs met, and may be returned to their colony provided there is a designated caregiver who undertakes full responsible ownership.

Where a colony cannot be managed, a controlled programme using non-injury traps should be commenced, taking care not to trap owned or cared for animals so far as is possible. Trapped cats should be checked for evidence of identification and either returned to their owner or evaluated for desexing, rehoming or humane euthanasia, whichever is the best option for the ongoing welfare of the cat.

3. Feral cats

These cats have none of their needs provided by humans and their population size fluctuates largely independent of humans. The feral cat population is self-sustaining and requires no input from the domestic cat population to maintain itself.

Feral cats must be humanely removed as part of a coordinated and monitored pest management plan that recognises the potential for the complex issue of prey switching and is consistent with environmental authority requirements.

Principles

NZVA believes that the following principles respect the needs of cat owners, non-cat owners and the environment:

1. Education

NZVA strongly encourages responsible cat ownership through education and self-regulation. Education of intending and current owners should include the following:

• an acknowledgment of ownership,
• a commitment to ‘whole of life’ care,
• the provision of appropriate food, water and shelter,
• regular health checks, vaccination and de-worming,
• desexing at or before puberty,
• restriction of the number of cats per household if necessary for the cats welfare,
• identification by microchipping (preferably), or discs on release collars,
• adequate holiday arrangements,
• adequate arrangements if the owner’s circumstances change to ensure that cats are never abandoned.
• understanding and acceptance of restrictions for the preservation of ecologically sensitive areas.

2. Desexing

NZVA believes that desexing of both male and female cats is essential to the successful management and creation of a cat population in New Zealand that is wholly and responsibly owned. Desexing should be actively promoted and made as accessible as possible by all groups associated with cats. Animal welfare agencies should only rehome desexed cats. Cat breeders with three or more queens should be registered with the New Zealand Cat Fancy.

3. Identification

NZVA believes that identification is the key to best practice cat ownership and management. It makes possible a direct link with a person responsible for a cat’s ongoing care. Microchipping is the best means of permanent identification, however discs on release collars are useful methods. Every local authority and welfare agency in New Zealand should facilitate microchip scanning procedures. Veterinarians are the preferred providers of microchip implanting services.

4. Role of Central Government

NZVA would like workable, reasonable, supportive, clear and enabling legislation to provide a firm support base for responsible cat ownership.

5. Role of Local Government

NZVA would like every local authority to have in place, and enforce, reasonable cat management by-laws based on these key elements:

• limitation of the number of cats per household according to situation,
• desexing of cats unless they belong to a responsible breeder,
• identification of cats, preferably by microchipping, in a way that can be monitored,
• restriction of cats from ecologically sensitive areas as determined by environmental authorities,
• the establishment of suitable impounding facilities to care for lost cats for the statutory seven days.

6. Wildlife

Cats are natural predators, which has both positive and negative effects: positive through the control of rodents but negative through predation on vulnerable New Zealand native species, such as birds, skinks and geckos. Responsible management, appropriate to the particular environment, should be used to minimise the impact of cats on native wildlife.

NZVA recommends that cats should be kept indoors at night (including dawn and dusk) when most predation takes place. Cats will also be at less risk of being injured by traffic and in cat fights (and less likely to contract diseases such as feline immunodeficiency virus). Animal guards can be placed around trees that have nesting birds, and bird feeders should be located in sites that do not provide cover for cats to hide.

References

Animal Welfare Act 1999

Animal Welfare (Companion Cats) Code of Welfare 2007

Policy Files: 

9h - Cat Ownership - Jun11.pdf