Cats

Cat PictureCats are excellent companion animals, but if not cared for properly can become a nuisance to neighbours and the environment. By being a responsible cat owner, you will not only be making sure that your cat does not suffer unnecessarily, but will strengthen your relationship with your neighbours.

  • Sterilise your cat (required under the Cat Act 2011) 
  • Make sure your cat has regular flea and worm treatments, health checks and vaccinations
  • Ensure your cat has clean water and adequate food
  • Place an identification tag on your cat's collar (required under the Cat Act 2011)
  • To discourage hunting, place a collar on your cat with a bell or mirror attached
  • Understand your cat's behaviour and make your property is "cat safe" by having an area that prevents your cat from climbing fences and straying from your yard.
  • Train your cat - Cats are independent but highly intelligent!
  • Keep your cat inside at night time. This is when most incidents occur (car accidents / cat fights) and will assist with neighbourly relations.
  • Make sure that there is a responsible person looking after your cat when you go on holidays, and
  • Know its whereabouts
  • If you are unsure about the best way to care for your cat/s please contact your local veterinarian

Remember - being a responsible cat owner not only means looking after the health and welfare of your cat, but also means that your cat's activities are not being a nuisance to your neighbours and the local environment.

Cat registration

The State Government has recently developed the Cat Act 2011 which came into effect on 1 November 2013. The Act aims to encourage responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of unwanted cats in the community.

If you own a cat and it is over 6 months old it must:

  • Be de-sexed and microchipped
  • Be registered with the Shire
  • Wear a collar with an identification tag stating your name and address, and a Shire issued registration tag

The Shire will have the authority under the Cat Act 2011 to enforce laws within this Act, administer fines to those not adhering to the Act and seize cats.

The registration period is from 1 November to 31 October and the length of registration available is 1 year, 3 years and Lifetime.  Download a Cat Registration Form.

Click the following link to view the registration fees and charges.

* Discount of 50% applies for pensioners.

Owners must provide proof of microchipping and de-sexing to register their cats.

Microchipping and de-sexing

The Cat Act 2011 requires that:

  • All cats being registered with the Shire must be microchipped and de-sexed prior to registration.

Please contact your local veterinarian for costs associated with microchipping and de-sexing.

How many cats can you have on your property?

The Shire's Health Local Law permits residents to have no more than 3 cats on their property. People wanting to keep more than 3 cats may apply in writing to the Shire. For information please contact the Shire's Environmental Health Officers by phoning (08) 9168 4100.

Feral cats

At present, the Shire does not have a local law to enable them to investigate complaints regarding stray or feral cats on private land. However, if you are having problems with feral cats in your neighbourhood, Ranger Services have a number of humane cat traps that residents may hire.

When cats are caught, it is the person trapping the cat's responsibility to ensure that someone does not own the cat before arranging disposal of the cat. Any person who knowingly traps and disposes of an owned cat is liable to be charged for theft by the local Police.

When disposing of feral cats, this must be done in a humane way by the local vet.