Being a responsible cat owner helps protect your pet, your neighbours and our local wildlife.

Responsible cat owners should ensure their cat:

• is microchipped and registered on the NSW Pet Registry;
• wears an identification tag when outside the home;
• does not enter prohibited areas, such as wildlife protection areas and food preparation or consumption areas;
• does not interfere with the peace, comfort or convenience of people on neighbouring properties;
• does not repeatedly damage property outside the premises where it is ordinarily kept; and
• does not cause harm to local wildlife.

Cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age and registered on the NSW Pet Registry by six months of age.

While cats are not required by law to be kept indoors, keeping your cat indoors, particularly at night, is strongly recommended. Containing your cat at home helps protect native wildlife and can reduce the risk of injury, illness, disease and wandering.

Nuisance Cats

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, a cat may be declared a nuisance if it:

• makes noise that persistently occurs or continues to such a degree that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of another person; or
• repeatedly damages property outside the premises where it is ordinarily kept.

If you feel comfortable doing so, speak with the cat's owner about the issue. In many cases, a friendly conversation can help resolve the problem.

If you do not feel comfortable approaching the owner, the issue continues, or the owner is uncooperative, contact Council's Customer Service team on 4221 6111.

Annual permits for non-desexed cats

Annual permits are required for cats that are not desexed by four months of age. This fee is charged annually until the cat is desexed.

Desexing helps prevent unwanted litters, can reduce roaming behaviour and removes the need to pay an ongoing annual permit fee.

For details, visit the Office of Local Government website.

You can also email the NSW Pet Registry.