1080 and cats in New Zealand

Most of the conversation about 1080 and pets focuses on dogs — and for good reason, since dogs are the most sensitive domestic animal. But cats are also at risk, particularly outdoor and rural cats that roam near bush or farmland where operations take place.

Are cats sensitive to 1080?

Yes. Cats are susceptible to sodium fluoroacetate, though less so than dogs. The lethal dose for a cat is higher per kilogram of body weight than for a dog, but still well within the range that a single bait pellet or poisoned carcass could deliver. A cat that eats enough bait or a contaminated prey animal can die.

How would a cat be exposed?

Cats are less likely than dogs to eat bait pellets directly — cereal-based baits are not as attractive to cats as they are to dogs. The main risk for cats is secondary poisoning:

• Eating poisoned prey — cats that hunt mice, rats, or birds in or near an operational area may catch animals that have consumed bait. A single poisoned mouse may not contain a lethal dose, but multiple prey items over a short period could
• Scavenging carcasses — less common in cats than dogs, but some cats will feed on dead animals
• Direct bait ingestion — uncommon but possible, particularly with meat-based baits used in some ground operations

Symptoms of 1080 poisoning in cats

Signs are similar to those seen in dogs, though cats may also show neurological symptoms more prominently:

• Vomiting
• Hyperexcitability or agitation
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures or convulsions
• Sudden collapse

As with dogs, there is no antidote. If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, get to a vet immediately.

How to protect your cat

• Keep cats indoors during and for several weeks after a nearby 1080 operation — this is the single most effective precaution
• Check 1080Alert for operations near your property so you have advance warning
• Be aware of ground operations — bait stations on nearby farmland may attract rodents that your cat then hunts
• Watch for signs — if your outdoor cat becomes unwell during or after an operation, mention 1080 to your vet even if you are not certain of exposure

Are feral cats targeted by 1080?

Feral cats are a significant predator of native wildlife in New Zealand, and some 1080 operations do result in feral cat deaths — both from direct bait consumption and secondary poisoning. However, 1080 is not specifically designed or deployed to target cats. DOC's primary targets are possums, rats, and stoats. The effect on feral cats is considered incidental rather than a primary objective of most operations.

For domestic cat owners, the key takeaway is straightforward: if an operation is happening near you, keep your cat inside until the risk period has passed.