Being a responsible cat owner

Sleeping grey striped cat

Owning a pet is great fun, but is something that requires a lot of time, love and responsibility. 

Much of being a responsible pet owner is understanding your pet's needs and being aware of your obligations and the community's expectations about responsible pet management.

As an animal owner, it is your responsibility to provide for your animal's general welfare, as a matter of priority. 

Cat owners, or anyone contemplating becoming a cat owner, should do a few simple things to keep their cat out of trouble and their neighbours happy: 

  • Contain your cat within your property boundary at all times;
  • Provide adequate bedding and a space to keep your cat confined at night time; 
  • Provide a balanced diet and access to drinking water at all times;
  • Provide veterinarian care when required;
  • Desex your cat; and
  • Make sure they are registered with Council and wear an identity tag so they can be returned easily if they do get out.

You can find out more about being a responsible cat owner at agriculture.vic.gov.au including legal requirements. 

From 1 May 2024, cats being registered for the first time must be desexed, and cats are not permitted to roam outside of their owner's property boundary. Following extensive community consultation in early 2023 which showed overwhelming support for the introduction of these measures, Council decided in October 2023 to make an order under section 25 of the Domestic Animals Act (1994) to introduce these two key actions. 

Here you will find information and support resources, including educational information, videos and practical advice to assist cat owners to adhere to these measures.  

It is an offence to keep more than two dogs and/or two cats on a property without consent in writing from us in the form of a permit. The permit application process may include a visit from our Ranger and obtaining written consent from your adjacent neighbours.

Roaming cats

Any cat found outside their owner's premises will be impounded by the Ranger. The Ranger makes every effort to locate the owner of the animal, but if it is not wearing a registration tag this is almost impossible. If the Ranger is unable to identify an animal and/or contact the registered owner, it will be taken to the pound.

If your cat is missing, contact the Ranger or pound immediately. If the animal is not collected from the pound within eight days, it may be put down.  

Thousands of healthy cats are euthanased each year in Victoria.

Many cats are bred by accident, either with other roaming domestic cats or stray cats, which is why it is especially important to ensure your cat is desexed.

Along with helping to prevent cat overpopulation, there are many other benefits of desexing cats. Desexed cats can be better behaved. They may be less likely to roam, yowl at night or spray strong smelling urine. You also get a reduced registration fee. 

Cat traps can be requested from us where residents have concerns for un-owned or feral cats or cats causing a nuisance on their property. 

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