The responsibilities of cat owners are established under the Companion Animals Act 1998.
10 Essential Tips for Cat Owners
- Do not allow your cat to roam.
- Ensure your cat wears a collar and bell.
- Have your cat desexed and avoid unwanted kittens.
- Have new cats registered and microchipped after 1 July 1999.
- Do not allow your cat out at night.
- Ask your adjoining owners if your cat causes any nuisance problems, and correct them.
- Do not allow your cat to enter local bushland or attack native wildlife.
- Keep your cat healthy and happy.
- Avoid nuisance problems caused by boredom.
- Make sure you really want a cat and are prepared to care for it before acquiring one.
Cats are to be microchipped from 12 weeks of age or at the time of sale, and be registered from 6 months of age.
All cats must wear some form of identification such as a collar and tag or a microchip.
Exceptions apply to cats born prior to 1 July, 1999.
Cat owners are encouraged to keep their animal inside at night to protect native wildlife and the cat, however this is not required by the Act.
The majority of car accidents and cat fights that injure cats occur at night.
Any person may lawfully seize a cat if necessary to protect a person or other animal (other than vermin) from injury or death, as well as for protection of the cat.
A cat which repeatedly causes a problem, such as excessive and continuous noise or destruction to property may be declared a nuisance. Continuing offences can then result in the issue of on the spot fines by Council.
You can report a nuisance animal by calling Council on 02 6655 7300.
If a report has been made against your cat, our rangers will work with you in a helpful and constructive way to find a solution to the issue.