New Zealand has announced plans to eradicate feral cats by 2050, marking a significant expansion of its world-leading Predator-Free strategy.
The move, unveiled by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, represents the first time a new predator has been added to the programme since its inception in 2016.
Potaka confirmed on Friday that feral cats would join the list of targeted species, which already includes ferrets, stoats, weasels, rats and possums. The minister described the animals as “stone-cold killers” and said their removal was essential to restoring native biodiversity and protecting the country’s heritage landscapes. More detailed plans for the eradication effort are expected to be released in March 2026.
Feral cats are widespread across New Zealand, with an estimated population of more than 2.5 million. They roam bushland and offshore islands, where they can reach up to a metre in length, including their tail, and weigh as much as seven kilograms. Their impact on native wildlife has been devastating. On Rakiura Stewart Island, they have hunted the Pukunui, or Southern dotterel, to the brink of extinction. Near Mount Ruapehu, they have been responsible for killing native bats, further threatening fragile ecosystems.
Although feral cats are already controlled in some regions, their inclusion in the Predator-Free 2050 strategy means they will now be subject to coordinated national programmes, large-scale eradication campaigns and dedicated research. Potaka emphasised that removing such predators was vital to creating “the type of place we want to see”.
The decision follows years of campaigning and heated public debate. In 2013, environmentalist Gareth Morgan launched his controversial “Cats to Go” campaign, which argued for stronger measures against feral cats. The initiative was met with widespread opposition, particularly from animal lovers, and a competition encouraging children to shoot feral cats drew sharp criticism from animal rights groups.
Despite the backlash, momentum has grown in favour of stricter cat management. The Department of Conservation reported that feedback on its draft strategy was overwhelmingly supportive, with 90 per cent of respondents backing either the inclusion of feral cats or stronger measures to control them. Morgan welcomed the announcement, describing the initial exclusion of feral cats from the Predator-Free programme as a “glaring omission”.
While domestic cats are not included in the eradication strategy, they remain a contentious issue in New Zealand, a nation with one of the highest rates of cat ownership in the world. Household cats are also considered a serious threat to biodiversity, and their impact has provoked fierce debate. Rules around ownership and management remain inconsistent, with some regions imposing restrictions while others have no formal regulations.
The National Cat Management Group, which brings together the Predator Free Trust and animal welfare organisations such as the SPCA, has campaigned for stronger national legislation. Its slogan, “Every cat in a lap”, advocates keeping domestic cats indoors to reduce their impact on wildlife. The group supports measures such as mandatory microchipping and desexing, which it argues should form the next frontier in bird protection.
Animal welfare organisations have expressed concern about the methods currently used to control feral cats. SPCA scientific officer Christine Sumner acknowledged the damage caused by feral cats but said the organisation was uneasy about lethal control methods. “We’re talking about removing them from an environment, and this is currently done by lethal means, which we’re not happy with. That’s the biggest challenge,” she explained. The SPCA expects to see more funding and research directed towards humane alternatives.
The inclusion of feral cats in Predator-Free 2050 marks a turning point in New Zealand’s conservation strategy. Supporters argue that the measure is essential to protect endangered species and restore ecosystems, while critics warn of ethical challenges and the need for humane solutions. As detailed plans are prepared for release in 2026, the debate over how best to balance biodiversity protection with animal welfare is likely to intensify.
For now, Potaka insists that decisive action is required. “In order to boost biodiversity, to boost heritage landscape and to boost the type of place we want to see, we’ve got to get rid of some of these killers,” he said.
