Cats (1769–1900)

Abstract

Cats were frequently carried on European ships, supposedly to control rats, so both had similar opportunities to reach New Zealand from 1769 onwards. On the North Island, the first cats were often killed by Māori for their meat and skins, but by the 1840s, cats were accompanying European settlers into the bush. On the South Island, cats were uncommon until the 1870s, when they were often transported inland by pastoralists to control rabbits and by gold-diggers plagued by rats and mice. Feral populations of cats established from these sources are now common throughout all the inhabited islands. Cats also had multiple opportunities to reach at least 35 offshore islands, by accident or as deliberate introductions. Their exterminations (local or total) of vulnerable native birds and lizards, previously protected by their isolation, have been well documented on Stephens, Herekopare, Little Barrier, Stewart and Macquarie Islands. Eradication techniques targeting both cats and rodents, preferably together, have now cleared all these islands and many others. Restoration of island habitats, and reintroduction programmes are observing the encouraging recovery of surviving endemic fauna on cat-free islands.