Feral Cats added to Predator Free 2050 w/ VUW Senior Anthropology Lecturer Courtney Addison: 13 January 2026

In November last year, feral cats were added to the list of predators to be eliminated in the New Zealand wide ambition ‘Predator Free 2050’.

The decision recognises the long-held concerns of conservationists that the uncontrolled wild cat population is endangering native animals including birds.

Courtney Addision, a Senior Lecturer in Science in Society at the Victoria University of Wellington, published an article in the Conversation voicing concerns about the move — including the distinction between feral, stray and domestic cats, as well as how welfare considerations need to be visited in approaching this species.

For Green World this week, Wire Host Sara spoke to Addison about the issue, in the context of wider environmental and ethical implications going forward.