As a responsible cat owner you must abide with all relevant legislations and be accountable for the welfare of your cat and the environment. Failure to comply may result in infringements being issued in excess of $200 and further legal proceedings may be considered.
Cat owners must:
- Abide with the Cat Act 2011
- Microchip their cat
- Sterilise their cat
- Register their cat with the City of Cockburn.
More information is provided below.
Cat registration, microchipping and sterilisation
Under the Cat Act 2011, all cats aged six months or over must be sterilised, microchipped and registered with the City of Cockburn.
Failure to do so may result in a fine. The City provides assistance through a cat sterilisation subsidy.
Fore more information refer to the following pages:
Keeping your cats inside
Cats are loveable household companions, but when allowed to roam free have a life expectancy of much less than half that of indoor cats. Cats are happiest and healthiest at home with you! The South West Group and the RSPCA websites contain lots of information on why cats are best kept safe at home, and lots of tips to help your cat live a long, happy and healthy life at home.
Protecting our native wildlife
The City of Cockburn has many native bushland and wetland areas that act as refuges for wildlife including birds, reptiles, possums and bandicoots. However, the remaining populations of native animals are coming under increasing pressure from predatory imports such as domestic cats.
Studies have shown that for each hectare of urban land there are two domestic cats on average who will each kill eight birds a year. In most suburban areas, only 20 birds hatch per hectare per year. Cats have also been found responsible for 16 mammal and 8 reptile deaths each per year.
To help protect our wildlife, please make sure your cat:
- Wears a collar with bells
- Does not roam at night.
Number of cats allowed per property
Each property owner is allowed to have up to three cats.
If you have four or more cats, you will need to apply for a cattery license. Please contact us for more information.
Many native animals such as bandicoots and possums have drastically declined in number or been completely lost largely due to predation by introduced animals, particularly foxes and cats. Uncontrolled household and feral cats can create a nuisance in our community.
The City relies on cat owners to act responsibly. If the nuisance cat is feral, it can be trapped and humanely euthanised by a vet or other authorised person.
Find a new home for your cat
If you are unable to care for your cat, there are organisations that can help. The following organisations may be able to help you find a new home for your cat.
Cat Haven
Website:
www.cathaven.com.au opens in a new window
Phone: 08 9442 3600
Email:
[email protected]
RSPCA
Website:
www.rspcawa.asn.au opens in a new window
Phone: 08 9209 9300
Email:
[email protected]
More information and contact
For more information please call 08 9411 3444
or email us.