It may look like a new viral internet cat craze, but colourful collars could have a very serious purpose.
The bright neckwear could reduce the amount of prey, including birds, caught by cats, with a joint trial by Victoria University and Wellington City Council aiming see how effective they might be.
Domestic cat owners are being sought around Wellington to take part in the trial over summer.
The 'clown collar' slips over the cat's collar and are designed to make the animals more visible to birds.
They're already sold by the United States-based company Birdsbesafe and have shown some promise.
"Many birds have advanced colour vision and see bright colours especially well, even in low light," Dr Heidy Kikillus of Victoria University says.
Volunteers will be asked to keep a record of prey caught with and without the collar on over an eight-week period.
The results of the study will be collated and analysed and could form part of a more comprehensive study into cat behaviour in Wellington.
Participants need to have a pet cat which is a proven hunter, doesn't mind wearing a collar and explores the outdoors.
They should also live near Zealandia, in suburbs including Karori, Kelburn, Highbury, Northland, Aro Valley and Brooklyn.
Earlier this month, the council began discussing the scope for reviewing its Animals Bylaw and Dog Policy which cover animals kept in the city such as cats and dogs.
Measures to protect wildlife included limiting the number of cats per household, keeping cats inside from 7pm to 7am, microchipping cats and allocating areas where it is safe to walk dogs.
The council estimates there are about 10,000 dogs in Wellington, while half of New Zealand households are estimated to have at least one cat.
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