Cats are a topical and sometimes controversial subject in New Zealand – and the topic of cat ownership has been more prominent in the media recently. Here at Companion Animals NZ (CANZ), our focus is on the welfare of "owned" or "companion" cats, through promoting responsible cat guardianship (ownership) and providing research-based information to help support owners to provide their cats with a good life. Although we don’t generally consider stray and feral cats, we recognise their interconnectedness to some extent when considering the broader impacts of cats and cat keeping on wildlife and communities.
Our pre-recorded panel discussion, facilitated by Professor Nat Waran, Director of A Good Life for Animals Centre at CANZ, focuses on the behaviour and welfare of companion cats and features leading experts, including:
Dr. Arnja Dale – Chief Scientific Officer at SPCA New Zealand and Chair of the National Cat Management Strategy Group (NCMSG).
Dr. Natalie Lloyd – Companion Animal Vet and Immediate Past President of Companion Animal Veterinarians (CAV) at the NZVA.
Dr. Gosia Zobel – Senior Researcher and Animal Welfare Programmes Coordinator at Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ).
“Giving companion cats A Good Life is our main priority, and everything we do in terms of research and education is driven by this goal—though we acknowledge there is still much to learn, especially in relation to providing a good life for a cat when they are contained and ensuring we’re able to better understand our cats as individuals. This is research we’re currently working on, alongside international researchers.”
“Our panel discussion doesn’t aim to represent all perspectives on cats but brings together four prominent and experienced voices to explore the topic through an animal welfare-focused lens. By sharing the latest research evidence and insights, we hope to provide food for thought, deepen New Zealanders’ understanding of this complex issue, and encourage thoughtful, informed conversations about cats and their welfare, and their place in our communities.”
- Professor Nat Waran
Companion Animals New Zealand is a national charity dedicated to promoting positive welfare for companion animals through research and education, helping pet owners ensure their animals can live a good life. We also bring experts together to share knowledge and engage in meaningful conversations using the latest evidence to support informed decision-making.