A New Zealand campaign encouraging the eradication of cats is being criticised by the SPCA for its 'disgusting and vitriolic” sentiments.

The Cats to Go initiative composed by philanthropist Gareth Morgan is encouraging Kiwis not to replace their domestic cats once they pass away in an effort to rid the country and protect native wildlife from the furry felines.

A campaign urges people not to replace their domestic cats in an effort to protect native wildlife.

The website suggests the public rethink keeping cats as pets, even suggesting that euthanising domestic cats 'is an option”.

New Zealand SPCA chief executive Bob Kerridge advises the public to take little stock in Gareth's publishings.

'He's totally irresponsible for suggesting it…He's an ignorant nutter,” says Bob.

Gareth did not immediately respond to SunLive's request for comment but his website reads:

'If you think New Zealand's native species are precious and should be fostered then it's important you be a responsible cat owner.

'That means keeping them inside 24 hours a day and if that's impractical then when the time comes ensure this is the last cat you ever own.”

The website cites research from the University of Georgia that alleges each household cat will bring home 13 pieces of prey every year, but this will only represent a fifth of their kills.

'You are probably thinking that the above statistics don't apply to your cat. The fact is that your furry friend is actually a friendly neighbourhood serial killer,” says the website.

Bob says there is no evidence to suggest that cats are responsible for dwindling bird life and says cats are more likely to catch pests like vermin.

He points out the most famous example of a city trying to rid cats was many centuries ago in London which was quickly followed by the Black Plague, spread by an overpopulation of rats and mice.

Tauranga SPCA's animal welfare inspector Jason Blair says the idea of completely eradicating all of New Zealand's cats is over the top and also slightly implausible.

'I wouldn't like to see people take that action into their own hands. Cats give us a lot more than they take from our environment,” he points out.

Bob says it is unlikely Gareth will receive much support from New Zealand's communities.

'I would imagine the followers will be limited because the domestic cat is our most popular animal,” says Bob.

Kiwis are some of the biggest cat lovers in the world with New Zealand holding the record for the most cats per capita with 1.4million in the country according to the World Society for the Protection of Animals website.

What do you think? Should cats be eradicated from New Zealand?