Owning a cat can bring great joy and companionship. Unlike dogs, cats are not pack animals so they lead a more independent lifestyle. Cats are also self-cleaning and do not need to be exercised. It is for these reasons that cats often suit people with busy lifestyles and families.

Like dogs, there are many different breeds of cats to choose from, each with their own characteristics, needs and benefits. It is important that you look at the different breeds of cats and see which breed is right for you.

Your local veterinarian, breeder, pound or rescue group can give you more information.

Responsible cat ownership

As a responsible cat owner, you have an obligation to care for the health and well being of your pet.

You have a duty to ensure your cat’s activities do not interfere with your neighbours or the environment. Encouraging a few simple lifestyle changes can prevent most common cat problems.

Responsible cat ownership involves:

• ensuring that your cat is well fed and watered,
• providing a comfortable indoor sleeping area and litter tray,
• keeping your cat and wildlife safe at night by confining your cat indoors,
• having your cat desexed unless you intend undertaking controlled breeding,
• accepting responsibility when your cat is roaming outside, and
• placing at least two bells, preferably three, on your cat’s collar.

As with dogs, your cat must be microchipped and registered.

Benefits of controlling cats

It is generally accepted that cats should be controlled and should not be permitted to roam. Organisations such as the RSPCA, Cat Protection Society and Cat Rescue actively encourage owners of cats to ensure they keep their cats inside, especially during the night. Cats are nocturnal and are instinctively hunters.

The common forms of nuisance caused by roaming cats on private property include the following:

• General trespassing;
• Spraying by male cats;
• Defecating in garden beds;
• Noise due to cat fights, calling and crying;
• Fights with owned cats;
• Cause dogs to bark; and
• Attack wildlife.

The common problems caused by cats in public places include;

• Killing wildlife;
• Spreading disease; and
• General nuisance.

A research report titled “The Metropolitan Domestic Cat” prepared by Reark Research Pty Ltd, April 1994 concluded the following;

• Over 56% of domestic cats were reported to catch prey;
• 41% of domestic cats caught introduced mammals such as mice, rats and rabbits (vermin) and 2% caught native mammals such as possums or bats
• 17% of cats caught reptiles or amphibians such as lizards, skinks, snakes or frogs;
• 19% of domestic cats caught introduced birds such as sparrows and starlings and 7% caught native birds such as magpies or honey eaters.

Cats are prohibited in some areas

Cats are prohibited from food preparation or consumption places and wildlife protection areas. If your cat is found in a place where cats are prohibited you, as the cat owner, are guilty of an offence.

Are you experiencing problems with nuisance cats?

Council Rangers receive many calls about nuisance behaviour of cats. The Companion Animals Act 1998 says a cat is a nuisance if it persistently makes a noise, which unreasonably interferes with the well being of neighbours or if it repeatedly damages other people’s property.

If the Ranger is satisfied that a cat is a nuisance, the Ranger can issue an order to the owner of the cat requiring the owner to prevent the behaviour that is causing the nuisance. Fines apply to owners that breach a nuisance order.

If you can actually identify who owns the cat, discuss your concerns directly with the owner.

If the owner is unapproachable or does not agree that the problem exists, you should contact Council’s Animal Control Officer on 9391 7000.

Unowned & feral cats

If you have a problem with unowned or feral cats on your property, Council recommends the hiring of a humane cat trap in order to catch the cat/s. If you have caught a feral or unowned cat, call Council's Companion Animal Officer on 9391 7000 to have the cat collected.