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Cats are a popular pet in New Zealand. Cat ownership is occasionally raised as a controversial conservation issue due to the predation of endangered species such as birds and lizards by feral cats. ==Domesticated cats== The domestic cat (''Felis catus'') was introduced into New Zealand by European settlers in the mid 19th century. , there are an estimated 1.419 million domestic cats in New Zealand, with almost half of all households owning at least one and an average of 1.8 cats per household. Because of the effects of predation on New Zealand wildlife, domestic cat ownership is sometimes a contentious issue. Since the 1990s, cat-free subdivisions have occasionally been established to prevent predation occurring within nearby natural areas by domestic cats. In 1996 a cat-free subdivision was established at Waihi Beach, a landmark decision by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. It was sought by Forest and Bird and the Department of Conservation to protect wildlife in a nearby salt marsh.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=DOC's work with pets: Animal pests and threats )〕 In 2012 the operators of the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary called for cat owners not to replace their pet when they die as a means of reducing the cat population. In 2013, Gareth Morgan, an economist and philanthropist, caused an international furore when he called for cats to be wiped out. He launched the "Cats To Go" website to support the stance. It is suggested that owners could euthanase their cats but it is not seen as necessary.〔("Call to eradicate New Zealand’s pet cats draws hisses from cat lovers", ) ''The Washington Post'' (Associated Press), 22 January 2013〕 Some conservationists supported the stance taken by Morgan.〔("Conservationists back anti-cat campaign" ), TVNZ Onenews, 22 January 2013〕 Even though cats control rodents which also prey on native wildlife, and thus have a protective role, the precautionary principle is recommended in certain cases such as adjacent to natural areas and in outer suburbs of cities. A study done on patients in Auckland with acute toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease carried by cats and is now thought to be more debilitating than initially realised. The patients had a high rate of fatigue, headaches, and had a difficulty with concentration. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Cats in New Zealand」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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