Veterinarians release research report to address cat population

Tuesday 21 April 2015

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has released a systematic literature review to help develop workable, evidence-based solutions to address the country’s issues around cat management, saying an urgent, nationwide strategy is needed to protect the welfare of cats and New Zealand’s wildlife.

The review looked at peer-reviewed publications in New Zealand and overseas concerning cat predation and population management.

NZVA President Dr Steve Merchant says that as a society the only way forward is to engage in informed discussion based on sound scientific evidence. “We need to collectively find acceptable and humane solutions to address cat management in New Zealand, which is a significant animal welfare and wildlife conservation issue. The literature review is a valuable source of information for this much needed discussion so we can explore credible solutions.”

The review, commissioned by the NZVA, bases its recommendations such as stricter regulation, neutering and micro-chipping, on existing research from both New Zealand and overseas.

“It looks at the impact of all cats – companion, stray and feral – on New Zealand wildlife and local communities but the underlying focus of the recommendations, which NZVA is very supportive of, is responsible cat ownership.”

The review’s authors say that the economic burden of managing stray and feral cats is challenging, particularly for charitable organisations such as the SPCA.

Dr Merchant says that many veterinary clinics are already playing their part, regularly providing veterinary care for these cats, and often with no recompense.

“New Zealand has the highest rate of cat ownership in the world and for many they are like a member of the family. It’s important that our approach is evidence-based, humane and considered.”

Dr Merchant says that while current strategies to manage the cat population and to protect our wildlife are helpful, the review concludes that further actions are needed to dramatically decrease the number of stray cats in New Zealand.

“A major obstacle to progress is that no single organisation is responsible for cats in New Zealand and there is little regulation to control the cat population. The NZVA strongly believes that as a society we need to engage on a national, regional and local level. The first step must be an informed dialogue and willingness to explore solutions based on robust evidence.”

The review recommends that a range of options be explored including existing strategies such as adoption and where appropriate euthanasia which it acknowledges will be controversial to some people. Other possible options outlined include stricter regulation, better identification measures such as micro-chipping, collars and registration, the promotion of partial or complete indoor-cat lifestyles, and de-sexing. The paper says that the financial costs of these options will need to be evaluated.

Dr Merchant says promoting responsible cat ownership must be the focus of any management strategy, and that progress will require commitment and input from both central and local governments to tackle the issue.

“Central and local governments, as well as organisations such as the NZVA, New Zealand Companion Animal Council and SPCA, will need to carefully evaluate the recommendations in the article. A collaborative approach is essential if we are to make progress nationally.”

NZVA will refer to the literature review to inform and update its cat management policy.

ENDS

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