In some states in Australia and Canada for example, cats are not allowed outside at all, in others only during the day, but they must be inside at night. It was only a matter of time before this happens here. After all all out native wildlife would be targets of a hunting cat.
In my opinion the statement made by Gareth Morgan was designed to get the dialogue going and then when the midway solution of cats inside only or inside at night is the outcome it will seem like a compromise.
So on a sustainability front why am I blogging about this?
- Cats are our companions. While for some people it's their dog, for other's the cat has the same meaning. They are important for our own wellbeing - part of being sustainable.
- Cats kill native (and exotic) wildlife - no arguing there. Even if its not your cat, cats with hunting drive (most cats) and access catch geckos, skinks and native birds as well as non native species.
- Cats reduce the rodent population - rodents are an introduced pest and cats do keep them in check. If there were no cats outside hunting at night there would need to be significantly more trapping, poisoning and so forth to keep the population in check especially in urban areas
- While most cat owners are responsible, there are those that aren't - not desexing, dumping kittens in wildlife areas, leaving a property and not bothering to take their cat. Those of you in Dunedin will know about the problem in the student area of town with cats.
- If we keep our cats inside all the time we have to redesign how we live with them. For many people that already do this this is a familiar concept but for others it is not. Cats needs vertical space so they can sit up high and view the world. They need lots of things to scratch on. Those with mainly outdoor cats won't notice how much cats scratch but take a close look at trees around your garden if you have a cat. You will find cat scratch marking - designed as a visual marker of territory. It is very noticable on cabbage trees. Another big area overseas exspecially is designing a cat habitat that is enclosed but outside with branches, warm sunny spots and so on. This idea might appear to some people but others especially on very small sections may not have room for this. Check out this link for more on these cat habitats
What I think is important is cat lovers don't get on the defensive about this. It is important to have a dialogue and to look at all sides of the story. It certainly isn't totally clear cut and for those people that are reacting in a huge way to Gareth Morgan's comments - in my opinion, they will never ban cats, so don't feel that you need to fight that argument. Look at the other options that are more realisitic and be involved in the discussion around those that is likely to arise.
Maybe cat owners should be licensed and all cats microchipped so any cat found that is unmicrochipped is considered unowned. Maybe certain areas of the country should not be allowed cats that go outside - National Parks for example (I think this might already be the case) and perhaps areas like the Marlborough Sounds, where although it is not a National Park its an area of significance and also of regenerating native bush, but if you live in urban Auckland then they would be allowed free range. This in itself is fraught with difficulties because there are always grey areas. Parts of urban Auckland back onto small tracks of native bush for example. And there are many other things to consider.
This post is not about answers, its about putting some perspective on the topic and engaging some sensible thought and discussion.
There are tonnes of websites and images devoted to indoor and/or enclosed cats and lots of products worldwide available to allow cats outside without them hunting the wildlife. There are of course additional things an owner of a cat that can't exercise its hunting drive with live animals must do, and that means more play with your cat.
I look forward to comments and feedback.
