Local government body bylaws relating to cats are rules designed to address the unique challenges associated with managing the domestic cat population, while ensuring the welfare of both cats and native wildlife.  

One key reason for local bodies implementing these bylaws is to mitigate the impact of domestic cats on New Zealand's native biodiversity. Cats, as efficient hunters, are considered to pose a significant threat to native bird species, reptiles, and small mammals. By regulating the roaming habits of domestic cats through bylaws such as mandatory microchipping and registration, local authorities aim to reduce the predation pressure on vulnerable wildlife populations. A second reason is to limit the impacts of overpopulation to communities – resulting in unowned strays exhibiting problematic behaviours. 

Some local bodies also have provisions for things such as how many cats can be kept, but for the purpose of this page we are focusing on desexing, microchipping and registration mandates. We’re not covering containment here, but Companion Animals NZ have posted an article about keeping cats indoors here, if you’d like to know more about whether cats can live a Good Life indoors. It is also worth noting that local bodies recognise the exemption to desexing for registered breeders, or if a registered veterinarian certifies that undergoing the procedure will place the cat at unnecessary risk. 

With Predator Free 2050 set to be reviewed this year with the potential to add feral cats to the mix, the conversation around managing cats and discussing potential confinement measures will only increase. This can be a very controversial and heated topic as, understandably, cats are beloved family members. The conversations are nuanced – there is a pressing need to balance protecting cats, responsible cat ownership and protecting biodiversity also.  

There have been calls from various animal welfare groups for a National Cat Management Act, asking the Government to take a leadership role in supporting comprehensive cat management, including requirements for cats to be microchipped, registered, and to be desexed unless they are registered breeding animals. Just last year, an Environment Select Committee’s recommendation to Parliament was in support of addressing the problems with cat overpopulation in New Zealand. The report called for national legislation involving mandating the desexing and microchipping of companion cats. 

By encouraging cat owners to microchip and register their pets, authorities can better track and manage the domestic cat population within their jurisdiction. These bylaws also serve to address concerns related to public health and nuisance behaviour associated with cats. By regulating issues such as stray and feral cat populations, cat breeding practices, and the management of cat waste, local authorities aim to create safer, healthier, and more harmonious communities for both residents and pets alike.  

Through collaboration between local governments, cat owners, animal welfare and conservation groups, these bylaws have the potential to create a more sustainable and compassionate future for all inhabitants of Aotearoa. This ‘one welfare’ approach is one we support, which recognises the interconnectedness of animal welfare, human wellbeing, and the environment.