Information About Trapping Cats

Cats are classified in three different ways, owned, unowned and feral. You can have Companion Cats (pet, domestic), Unowned Cats, Stray Cats and Feral Cats. Many people get confused whether stray cats and feral cats are the same, they are not.

Companion Cats are domestic cats that live with humans as a companion and depend on humans for its welfare. They aren’t pests and it isn’t acceptable to kill a companion cat.

Stray Cats are companion cats that have been lost or abandoned and is currently living by itself or with a group. They have most of their needs indirectly supplied by humans and live in areas with human habitation.

Feral Cats are not stray cats and don’t have any of their needs supplied by humans, they don’t tend to live near human habitation.

You can find more information about the different types of cats and how to identify them here: https://predatorfreefranklin.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Cat-control.pdf

The main advice that Predator Free Franklin have given cat owners would be to get all of your cats desexed and microchipped as well as having them wear a collar if possible. Getting them microchipped will help to know if the cat has owners and is stray and not feral. You can get your cats desexed and microchipped from your local vet.

If you have caught a cat while using a live capture you should note that in the Wild Animal Control Act 1977 it is illegal to release a feral cat if it has been caught. If you have caught a feral cat it must be killed humanely while still in the trap. See Auckland Council cat control guidelines for further information.

Useful information on control methods for cats can also be found here https://predatorfreefranklin.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Cat-control.pdf

One main thing that people should know is that they should avoid harm to companion cats. Individuals as well as community groups should be aware that they need to take reasonable steps to avoid killing any companion cats.