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Laws & permits Animal regulations Cats Responsible cat ownership

Responsible cat ownership

Highly adaptable and flexible, cats fit into domestic life easily.  They are predators by nature and will go looking for mates, defend territory and hunt wildlife, particularly during the dusk to dawn period.  It is during this time that your cat is most active and vulnerable if outside.  The following tips will not only help you reap the benefits of protecting your cat, but you will also minimise the potential disruption to the community and the impact on the surrounding environment:

Confine your cat to your property at all times

Wandering cats are vulnerable to disease and attacks by other animals.  They are also likely to attack other animals.  Even when confined to your property, you should attach one or more bells to your cat's collar to alert wildlife.  Roaming cats can become lost and many are never returned to their owners. Often cats cause disputes and anxiety between neighbours by causing dogs to bark, by fighting with other cats or by defecating in neighbouring gardens.  This is not fair to your neighbours.  How you prevent your cat from wandering is up to you as long as you keep your cat safe and clean.  The RSPCA can provide advice on confining your cat.

Remember: By law you must confine your cat to your property at all times - cats are not allowed to roam.

Protecting your cat

To minimise disruption to your neighbours, always keep your cat confined to your property and it is recommended that they be confined inside your house or an enclosure of a night.  Cats kept inside generally live much longer than cats that are allowed outside.  Around 80% of accidents involving cats occur at night.  Confining your cat at night will minimise the risk of injury and prevent it from fighting with other stray cats. 
How to confine your cat
To assist your cat in becoming accustomed to being confined to your property:
  • Make a decision about how you would like to confine your cat, taking into consideration your budget and other personal factors. You then need to cat proof your yard to prevent your cat from escaping, build an enclosure or confine your cat inside your house.
  • Enclosed runs are a great way of allowing your cat the best of both worlds. It can still go outside but it cannot escape your property.
  • Offer a comfortable sleeping area, kitty litter and water.
  • You may wish to provide stimulation for your cat such as a scratching pole, toys or an enclosed run.
  • Cats can easily be trained to go into enclosures by restricting feeding times to when you wish to confine the cat.
  • Other things to consider are that the cat has a dry and warm area with good ventilation.   
Cats are quite intelligent and easy to train through repetition, similar to training a dog.

Identification tags

In addition to having your cat microchipped and wearing its registration tag, it is a good idea to have your cat wear a tag with your phone number on it.  In the unfortunate event that your cat is lost or is taken to the pound, there is a greater chance your cat will be returned to you.

Desex your cat

Whether you have a male or female cat, you should have your cat desexed if you do not intend breeding.  Female cats can become pregnant from as young as five months of age.  During the breeding season (Spring to Autumn) your cat will take every opportunity to escape from your property if not desexed to try and find a mate.  Unless you're prepared to look after kittens and find a home for them, desex your cat.  Contact your local veterinarian to discuss desexing your cat.
You will also be responsible for microchipping any kittens before selling or being given away from 1 July, 2009. 

Dispose of cat faeces and urine in a nuisance-free manner

The smell of cat faeces and urine can be quite offensive.  Ensure that you regularly collect your cat's faeces from your property and dispose of it responsibly.  You can place it in the wheelie bin if it is wrapped.  Encourage your cats to use kitty litter for urination rather than the house yard.  This confines the smell to one spot and the kitty litter can be removed once a day to reduce odour. 
It is recommended you do not bury used kitty litter in the garden.  Wrap it and place it in a general waste bin.

Ensure regular vet checks and worming

Just like dogs, cats require regular worming for intestinal worms and heartworm.  Regular health checks and vaccinations by your local veterinarian will ensure your cat leads a healthy long life with you and your family.

Responsibilities under state and local laws

As a responsible cat owner you must:

  • Register your cat as of 1st July 2009.
  • After 1st July 2009, owners must ensure that any cat is microchipped before they are sold or given away
  • Confine your cat to your property at all times - cats are not allowed to roam
  • Provide adequate fencing or an enclosure to confine your cat to your property at all times, or be able to demonstrate to a Council Officer how you confine your cat if you do not have adequate fencing or an enclosure
  • Provide an adequate supply of water and food for your cat
  • Dispose of all faeces and urine in a nuisance-free manner
  • Vaccinate your cats and ensure your cats do not cause a nuisance to the community
Last Updated on Monday, 07 November 2011 14:41
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