IMPORTANT!!
DO YOU OWN A CAT?
DO YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CAT OWNER?
There are real benefits associated with pet ownership - socially, physically and mentally –
however pet ownership can also be a common cause of complaint and conflict.
Cat owners have a responsibility to their cat to ensure it is housed, fed and managed to
ensure their health and welfare.
The community often have divided opinions about cats - which can be seen as either a valued
pet/friend or as a pest. Irresponsible ownership can not only jeopardise your cats safety but it
can further tarnish the reputation of the cat when it is simply behaving as a cat does naturally.
This information is designed to help cat owners and the general members of the public
become more aware of the ways that we as a community can all work together to manage our
companion animal cats in the best possible way.
ROAMING CATS
Cats are known to have no boundaries and traditionally have roamed the neighbourhood for
many years. However there are several benefits to keeping cats indoors, including;
· Cats do not have any road sense, and although many do cross roads successfully, there
is a significant risk of your cat being injured in traffic.
· Hunting is a natural behaviour for a cat. By keeping your cat inside you can prevent your
cat from hunting native wildlife. At least keep your cat inside between dusk and dawn
when wildlife is most at risk
· Outdoor cats are easily involved in cat fights especially around mating season. Cat fights
can cause injuries which need to be treated by a veterinarian, and can also led to noise
complaints.
· Roaming cats are in danger of contacting health-related viruses which can also result in
death.
· Studies have been conducted that show that indoor cats lead a healthier and longer life
than their outdoor cousins
BEFORE YOU ALLOW YOUR CAT TO ROAM, ASK YOURSELF…
“Is it fair to let my cat out to wander in other people’s properties? Possibly
causing damage and defecating on other people’s gardens?”
“How would I feel if the neighbour’s cat came over to my place and did the
same thing?”
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CAT OWNER
IDENTIFICATION - MICROCHIPPING AND REGISTRATION, COLLARS & TAGS
Please remember that all cats born after July 1999 must be microchipped at 12 weeks of age
or at point of sale or exchange (whichever comes first), and registered on the Companion
Animals Register by six months of age.
There are some exemptions for cats owned before July 1999, but these cats must still be able
to be identified so that any local authority can ascertain the name of the cat and the address
or telephone number of the owner of the cat. This could be through a cat collar with a tag, or a
microchip.
CATS ARE PROHIBITED IN SOME PUBLIC PLACES
Cats are prohibited from food preparation and consumption areas in a public place. any area
that is within 10 metres of any apparatus provided in that public place or part for the
preparation of food for human consumption or for the consumption of food by humans
DESEXING CATS
Cats can be desexed as young as eight weeks of age. It is important to desex young cats
before they reach sexual maturity. Young females can become pregnant at the age of four
months. Desexing male cats before three months of age prevents anti-social behaviour such
as urine spraying in and around your house and aggression.
NUISANCE CATS
There is no law prohibiting cats from roaming but cat owners need to be aware that if their cat
roams onto private property and causes damage, the person on that property can make a
complaint to Council in regard to a nuisance cat complaint if the problem persists. This also
relates to any cat that makes a noise that persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or
extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in
any other premises.
STRAY CATS
As cats roam, Hilltops Council is careful when requested to deal with ‘stray’ cats as it is often
difficult to determine a stray from a pet. If you believe you have a stray cat around your home
you should first ensure that it is not owned by one of your neighbours.
BE A RESPONSIBLE CAT OWNER
MICROCHIP AND REGISTER YOUR CAT
PREVENT YOUR CAT FROM ROAMING
UNDERSTAND CAT BEHAVIOUR
DESEX YOUR CAT
Disclaimers: This information was believed to be correct at the date of its publication. This information is for
general information purposes only and should not be relied upon for legal advice.