Cats
The City of South Perth encourages responsible pet ownership. Cat laws aim to reduce the number of unwanted cats in the community and the number that are euthanised each year. Microchipping and registration will also ensure your cat is returned to you if they become lost.
Under the Cat Act 2011, all domestic cats six months and older are required to:
- Be sterilised
- Be micro-chipped
- Be registered with the local council where the cat is ordinarily kept; and
- Wear a registration tag, issued by the local government where the cat was registered.
Cat owners who are not compliant with these requirements may be liable for fines of up to $5,000.
Registration
Cats will not be registered without proof of microchipping and sterilisation. Your local vet can arrange for cats to be sterilised and microchipped and will provide you with proof of each. Alternatively, you can complete a Statutory Declaration or you can arrange for a City of South Perth Ranger to sight an ear tattoo as proof.
If you wish a Ranger to inspect your cat for a tattoo, you must bring your cat in an enclosed cage to the City’s Animal Care Facility at 199 Thelma Street, Como between 11.30am-12.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Proof of microchipping can be provided with either a copy of the microchip certificate/paperwork or a Veterinary Surgeons Certificate.
Sterilisation and micro-chipping
Micro-chipping of pets is a safe and effective method of ensuring that if they get lost, there is an easy process in place to reunite them with their owners.
If you are concerned that sterilisation or microchipping would have an adverse effect on your cat’s health, the City requires notice in writing from a vet confirming this. Please note that a statutory declaration is not sufficient.
Breeding cats
A person who chooses to breed cats must apply to their local government for a permit by completing an Application for Approval to Breed Cats. A fee must also be paid.
When a cat is sold, the seller must ensure the cat is micro-chipped and sterilised prior to transfer. If the cat cannot be sterilised due to its young age, a voucher must be issued to the new owner.
Only approved breeders will be exempt from sterilisation laws.
Responsible cat ownership checklist
As a responsible pet owner you are encouraged to:
- Keep your cat confined to your property, especially at night
- Ensure your cat is easily identifiable with a collar and a name tag
- Vaccinate your cat.
Some further facts regarding your cat:
- Only a registered cat breeder may have an unsterilised cat
- All cats must be micro-chipped, sterilised and registered
- There is an option for lifetime registration of a cat.
Please note: If your cat is found in or on another person’s property, the property owner/occupier may take the cat to the City’s Animal Care Facility where the cat may be impounded.
Nuisance Cats
If you have a cat on your property that is causing a nuisance, you can set a trap in your yard. Trapped cats can only be seized by an authorised person. If you trap a cat you must notify the City of South Perth. Traps are available for hire at the City of South Perth Civic Centre.
For further information, please contact the City on 9474 0777.
Hiring of Traps
Residents of the City may hire a cat trap:
- Traps can be hired on a weekly basis
- Traps may only be hired by residents of the City of South Perth
- There is a fee involved for the hire of the trap and a late fee if not returned.
- Fees and Charges can be viewed on the City’s website
- The hirer must complete and sign a hire agreement form which will be supplied by the City of South Perth
- The hirer is only to set the trap within their property, not on Local Government land or any other land without permission.
