Cat Ownership and Management

Ideally your cat should be microchipped prior to you buying or adopting them. This is the only way to effectively trace their origin. However, if your cat isn’t microchipped then we recommend that you make an appointment with your vet to do so.  

Microchipping can be carried out by your local vet, who will register your cat’s microchip number with a microchip database registry. If you’re not sure whether your cat is already microchipped, please contact your vet who can scan your cat to check for an existing microchip number.

Under the Cat Act 2011, it’s mandatory for all cats six-months-old and over to be microchipped. You may be fined otherwise. Your cat can also be microchipped from a much younger age – please contact your vet for more information.

Contact the database registry that the microchip is registered with to update your contact details. You can find out which company the microchip is registered with by reviewing your pet’s microchip certificate or by contacting your vet. 

You can apply for an exemption if you have a certificate from your vet stating that implanting a microchip may adversely affect the health or welfare of your cat. 

To lodge your application for an exemption with the City, please supply a copy of the vet certificate via email, visit in person at 9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood between 8.30am and 4.30pm, or post to: 

Ranger Services 
9 Coleville Crescent 
Spearwood 
WA 6163 

Cats allowed to roam free have a life expectancy that is less than half of an indoor cat. In addition to protecting our local native animals and not being a nuisance to your neighbours, cats are happiest and healthiest at home with you.  

For advice on the importance of keeping your cat(s) indoors and how to give them a happy and healthy life, visit the South West Group and RSPCA websites. 

The City of Cockburn has many native bush and wetland areas that are home to birds, reptiles, possums and bandicoots. 

Our native animals are at risk due to the predatory nature of domestic cats.   

Studies show 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 eight reptile deaths each per year. 

To help protect our wildlife, please make sure your cat wears a collar with bells and consider keeping them inside.  

For advice on the importance of keeping your cat(s) indoors and how to give them a happy and healthy life, visit the South West Group and RSPCA websites. 

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. 

You will also need approval from the City to breed cats, including the intent to only breed one litter with you cat.  

Please contact Ranger Services on 9411 3444 or email for information on how to apply for a cattery license if you have four or more cats. 

Uncontrolled household and feral cats can create a nuisance in our community. 

The City relies on cat owners ensuring their cat remains indoors where possible (especially at night). 

If you have a nuisance cat on your property, the City recommends you discuss your concerns with the cat’s owner in the first instance and if the issues persist, please contact Ranger Services on 9411 3444 or email. 

If the nuisance cat is feral, it can be trapped and humanely euthanised by a vet or other authorised person. 

If you need to rehome your cat please contact Cat Haven or RSPCA for help.