Feral Cats in Mosgiel and Dunedin
They have been branded as ‘the ultimate predators’ in New Zealand and have been nominated as among 100 of the 'World's Worst' invaders. New Zealand’s unique native wildlife is particularly vulnerable to predation by cats. Feral cats kill young and adult birds and occasionally take eggs, prey on native lizards, fish, frogs and large invertebrates.
Feral cats can be responsible in a small way for the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis, with the potential to infect cattle. They also carry parasites and toxoplasmosis (a parasitic disease) that causes abortions in sheep and illness in humans.
Feral and stray cats can be aggressive towards pet cats. Through fighting they cause severe injuries, sometimes resulting in the pet cat having to be put down. Stray cats are likely to interbreed with the unneutered domestic cat population and may spread infectious diseases.
Please note: When we say 'feral cats', we do not mean just any cat that has gone wandering and especially not anyone’s beloved pet. Management of feral cats not only helps our biodiversity but helps keep your fluffy pet safer.
They have been branded as ‘the ultimate predators’ in New Zealand and have been nominated as among 100 of the 'World's Worst' invaders. New Zealand’s unique native wildlife is particularly vulnerable to predation by cats. Feral cats kill young and adult birds and occasionally take eggs, prey on native lizards, fish, frogs and large invertebrates.
Feral cats can be responsible in a small way for the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis, with the potential to infect cattle. They also carry parasites and toxoplasmosis (a parasitic disease) that causes abortions in sheep and illness in humans.
Feral and stray cats can be aggressive towards pet cats. Through fighting they cause severe injuries, sometimes resulting in the pet cat having to be put down. Stray cats are likely to interbreed with the unneutered domestic cat population and may spread infectious diseases.
Please note: When we say 'feral cats', we do not mean just any cat that has gone wandering and especially not anyone’s beloved pet. Management of feral cats not only helps our biodiversity but helps keep your fluffy pet safer.
