Cats

However, cats are predators by nature and will go looking for mates, defend territory and hunt wildlife - particularly during the dusk to dawn period.  

When a cat is allowed to roam outdoors during this period, serious consequences can result.

The dangers of allowing your cat to roam at night - the hours between dusk and dawn are when your cat is most likely to:

• attack wildlife such as birds and possums, and damage the environment
• get hit by passing traffic
• be injured, or injure another cat in a fight
• become lost
• catch fatal diseases, such as feline AIDS, as a result of fighting and
• spray, howl and annoy neighbours - especially during mating season.

Legal requirements for cat owners

If your cat wanders onto another person's property, it can be seized. 

Details relating to identified cats will be recorded before cats are released. Unidentified cats will be taken to the pound. 

Council may issue an order to stop your cat from trespassing, and if you do not comply you may be fined. 

Excess animal permit

The maximum number of cats permitted to be kept on premises is two unless an Excess Animal Permit has been obtained. 

To make application please complete the Excess Animal Application Form and submit to Council for approval. 

Once approval has been received, a fee of $60 should be paid to obtain your Excess Animals Permit.  

This Permit must be renewed annually at a cost of $22 per year/

Confine your cat

You can protect your cat, preserve the environment and minimise disruption to the community by ensuring your cat is confined indoors between dusk and dawn.

How to confine your cat at night

When training your cat to accept confinement, skip its morning feed and call it in at night to be fed. 

Do not feed your cat until it comes inside - it will learn quickly that it will not get fed unless home by dusk.  Once inside, do not let it out again until morning. Ensure your cat has a cosy and well ventilated sleeping area with food, water and a litter tray. Your cat should adapt to night confinement within a few days. 

If not, please get further advice from one of our Animal Management Officers, available between 8.30am to 5pm, on 9599 4444.

Impounded cats

To find out if your pet has been impounded, contact 9599 4444.