This is how you can ensure your companion cat isn't mistaken for a feral one here on Aotea.
On Aotea so many are working to keep our endemic species safe thanks to the natural advantage here of not having mainland pests like mustelids and possums. Feral cats however, are causing untold amounts of damage.
As the number of groups carrying out conservation efforts to remove feral cats from our delicate ecosystems increases, key organisations carrying out live capture feral cat control (Tū Mai Taonga, Department of Conservation, Windy Hill Sanctuary, Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision, Glenfern Sanctuary, Auckland Council and their contractors) have come together to ensure live feral cat trapping on Aotea follows the same agreed protocols to help keep companion cats safe.
We encourage you to do your part by following the simple steps below.
If your cat is already registered we can update your companion cats details in the Cat-alogue. To let us know if your cat is deceased, relocated, desexed or microchipped etc, or for any other enquiries about the Cat-alogue, email: aoteacatalogue@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or register your cat here →
Aotea Safe Cats are companion cats, cats that are kept as pets and cared for with affection!
Or call 0800 SAFE CAT.
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Desexing also helps control pet overpopulation and reduce the number of animals becoming stray or feral. The council offers FREE desexing and microchipping. For more information on the service contact: aoteacatalogue@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Here is a handy sheet on information from GBI Vet services about de-sexing your cat and what’s involved.
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The Cat-alogue is an easy way to help trappers identify a companion cat in the field. Trappers will also get real time notifications if you report your cat as missing.
Feral cat control field staff are doing their best to protect companion cats on Aotea while protecting our native species. Entering your cat into the Cat-alogue is the easiest and most effective way for you to help trappers easily identify your companion cat so they can safely release it.
You can enter your cat into the Cat-alogue here:
Alternatively, call into Auckland Council Service Centre in Claris or call on +64 9 429 0258.
If your cat is already registered we can update your companion cats details in the Cat-alogue. To let us know if your cat is deceased, relocated, desexed or microchipped etc, or for any other enquiries about the Cat-alogue, email:
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Cats are natural hunters and climbers, so providing opportunities to stalk, pounce, climb, and scratch helps satisfy their instincts and reduce hunting behaviour.
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Studies have shown that cats fed a high-protein, meat-rich diet are less likely to bring home prey compared to cats on standard diets, even without restricting their outdoor access.
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If the collar includes a tag with a name and phone number, this allows someone to contact you if they find them; additionally, collars can be used to attach important information like medical tags. Some collars can be bright colours or include bells to alert wildlife of a cat's presence, potentially reducing hunting behaviour.
Alternative ways of providing easy identification of your cat as a companion cat is to shave a small strip of fur from the back or tail of your cat. This can be a great option if you cat frequently loses it’s collar.
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It also reduces the risk of injury from fights with other cats. Keeping your companion cat inside at night keeps them safer overall.
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Free-roaming cats hunting behaviour can negatively impact local wildlife, particularly vulnerable species like pāteke and chevron skinks. Overall, cats that are kept indoors tend to live longer and have fewer health problems. While the idea of minimising cats' freedom may seem restrictive, it's important to consider the potential consequences of allowing them to roam freely. It is considered completely normal in many countries. By keeping cats contained, owners can ensure their safety and well-being, while also protecting native wildlife and fostering a more harmonious environment for everyone.
