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Feral cats can spread diseases that impact farm production, and the animals also wreak havoc on native bird populations.
Predator Free NZ chief executive Jessi Morgan is urging farmers to support adding feral cats to the Predator Free 2050 target species list, alongside rats, possums and mustelids, before public consultation closes on Monday.
The organisation is running a campaign to get cats on the list, with a simple submission form available on its website.
Including feral cats in the strategy would lead to better policy decisions and greater investment in tools and technology for their control, Morgan said.
Feral cat numbers have risen so sharply that farmers are taking notice. This year, 80% of Predator Free NZ鈥檚 conversations at Fieldays centred on controlling them.
鈥淣umbers are going through the roof. We are not 100% sure why that is, we don鈥檛 have the research to know.鈥
Feral cats spread toxoplasmosis, which causes early abortions in ewes.
While vaccination is common, it is not fully effective, and feral cat control should remain a priority, Morgan said.
Coordinated efforts through catchment groups increase the likelihood of sustained control, especially when combined with rabbit, rat and mouse management to reduce food sources.
Unfortunately, areas with increased planting are becoming hotspots for feral cats.
鈥淐ats are an apex predator in New Zealand. Nothing else is going to control them unless we do. By adding cats, we support local council management efforts.鈥
Morgan said feral cats are notoriously difficult to control.
Live trapping, spotlighting and thermal or night-vision shooting are effective..
The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae K墨rehe (NZVA) also backs feral cat control.
NZVA head of veterinary services for companion animals Dr Sally Cory said the association recognises that feral cats, while sentient, pose a serious threat to wildlife and spread diseases like toxoplasmosis.
鈥淥n balance, NZVA supports feral cats being managed as pests and their populations humanely reduced or eradicated as part of Predator Free 2050, provided this is done in accordance with best-practice animal welfare standards,鈥 Cory said.