History of domestic cats on Pitcairn Island

This paper presents the first comprehensive history of Felis catus, the domestic cat, on Pitcairn Island. It includes detailed documentation of the cats and their status on the island, from settlement by H.M.A.V. Bounty mutineers in 1790 through the present time. The domestic cats of Pitcairn Island are worthy of study because they are inextricably linked to the island's natural, cultural and maritime history. We present evidence that indicates domestic cats were introduced to Pitcairn Island by the Bounty mutineers in 1790. The cats have experienced cyclic periods of alternately being protected and culled due to variations in prey availability. There were at least two instances (c.1820 and in 1997) of nearly complete cat eradication. Some Pitcairn Islanders believe that 'Bounty Cats', which were descended from the cats that arrived with the Bounty mutineers, were poisoned or sterilized in 1997.