Our stance on cats
Cats are valued companions in many homes, and together we can ensure they stay safe, while also protecting our precious native wildlife.
Cats are highly skilled hunters and can have a significant impact on our native wildlife. In Aotearoa New Zealand, they are considered apex predators and found everywhere from coastal areas to alpine zones. Research shows cats can prey on birds, reptiles, bats and insects, including species found nowhere else in the world.
It is important to understand the difference between different types of cats:
Companion cats – cats that live with people and rely on them for food and care.
Stray cats– cats that live around settlements and may receive food indirectly from people.
Feral cats – cats living independently of humans with none of their needs provided by people.
Predator Free Wānaka’s trapping programme focuses on introduced predators such as rats, stoats, ferrets, possums and hedgehogs, all of which are major predators of native wildlife.
Our traps are humanely designed and installed to target these species. We are not currently targeting feral cats, but may do so in the future.
We recognise companion cats are loved members of many households. Our approach focuses on:
protecting native wildlife
supporting responsible cat ownership
minimising risks to companion cats
Our goal is simple: Thriving native wildlife in the Upper Clutha.
In 2025, Predator Free New Zealand added feral cats to the list of species to target. This acknowledges the significant impact feral cats can have on native wildlife and allows funding, innovation and research to be directed toward humane and targeted solutions.
How we keep your cat safe
Predator Free Wānaka takes a careful approach when installing predator and possum traps on DOC and QLDC land to minimise any risk to companion cats.
Our trap protocols include several safety measures:
Trap placement: Possum traps are installed on trees or posts at a height above the ground, making them difficult for cats to access.
No ramps beneath manual possum traps: We avoid structures that would allow cats to climb up to elevated traps.
Cat-deterring lures: Cinnamon-based scents are used in some traps because they are less attractive to cats.
Deterrent blaze: Possum blaze mixtures include curry powder, which helps discourage cats from approaching trap sites.
Protective trap boxes: Some predator traps use specially designed entrances or baffles that prevent cats from entering.
Careful trap positioning: Traps are installed so the trigger mechanism sits well inside the trap box and away from the entrance.
Predator Free Wānaka supports the “All Cats on Laps” message, encouraging cats to be at home, especially overnight. Keeping cats at home at night greatly reduces the chance of them encountering traps, cars, other animals and also protects our native wildlife after dark.
While incidents involving cats and traps are extremely rare, we have procedures in place to respond quickly and transparently if one ever occurs.
How to keep your cat and our native wildlife safe
Responsible cat ownership helps protect both cats and native wildlife.
Cats thrive with human care and are happiest and healthiest at home with plenty of love, stimulation and entertainment. When cats have a safe and engaging environment at home, they are less likely to roam, hunt wildlife or encounter dangers such as cars, dogs or disease.
There are several simple ways you can help:
Keep your cat at home at night
Some native species are active after dark, while others are sleeping, and therefore easy prey. Keeping cats at home overnight protects wildlife and helps keep your cat safe.
Microchip and register your cat
Microchipping helps identify cats if they wander and makes it easier to reunite them with their owners.
Desex your cat
Desexing helps prevent unwanted litters and reduces the growth of stray and feral cat populations.
Create a comfortable and stimulating home environment
Provide toys, climbing structures, scratching posts or a catio. Cat-proof fencing can also help keep cats safely at home.
Use bells and bright collars
These can help reduce wildlife capture by making cats easier for birds and other animals to detect.
Many cat owners across New Zealand are already providing safe and stimulating environments for their pets. Small actions like these help ensure cats, neighbours and wildlife can all thrive together.
Our cat capture policy
Incidents involving companion cats are very rare. However, Predator Free Wānaka has clear procedures in place to respond responsibly if a cat is accidentally caught in one of our traps.
If a cat is found in a trap on public land:
Predator Free Wānaka staff are notified
Volunteers report the incident straight away so staff can manage the response.
The cat is scanned
The cat will be checked for a microchip so that if it is a companion cat, the owner can be identified.
Information about the animal is recorded
We document details such as approximate age, sex and condition of the animal so the situation can be properly assessed.
If the cat is microchipped
We will work with the relevant authorities to contact the owner and explain what has occurred.
The trap will be reviewed
If a cat is captured, we investigate how it happened and review the trap setup to reduce the chance of it happening again.
We understand how important cats are to their owners, and we treat any such incident with care and transparency. Our priority is always to minimise risk to companion cats while continuing to protect native wildlife.
Managing feral cats on your property
In rural and semi-rural areas around Wānaka, feral cats occur in large numbers. Unlike companion cats, feral cats live independently of people and survive entirely by hunting.
Feral cats have a serious impact on our native wildlife. Some national examples include:
A single feral cat destroyed 87 black-fronted tern nests in one weekend on the Waiau Toa Clarence River in Canterbury.
Monitoring in Arthur's Pass National Park found feral cats responsible for around one in five kea deaths during a monitored period.
Feral cats on Rakiura Stewart Island are contributing to the decline of the endangered southern New Zealand dotterel.
If you believe feral cats are present on your property, it’s important to take a careful and humane approach.
Confirm whether the cats are feral
Feral cats generally avoid people and do not rely on humans for food. Cats regularly seen near houses may be companion or stray cats.
Use humane trapping methods
Live-capture cage traps are commonly used to catch feral cats safely so there is no chance of misidentification.
Check traps regularly
Regular checks ensure any captured animals are dealt with promptly and humanely.
Seek advice if needed
If you are unsure how to proceed, Predator Free Wānaka or local authorities may be able to provide guidance.
Managing feral cats is a complex issue, but thoughtful, humane approaches can help protect both native wildlife and the animals in our care.