Responsible cat ownership
If you are thinking of purchasing or adopting a cat, it is important to consider the responsibilities that come with cat ownership.
Speak to your local veterinarian and other cat owners to gather as much information as you can. Cats can often live to more than 12 or even 15 years old, so owning a cat can be a long-term commitment.
Basic responsibilities
Under the Cat Act 2011, cat owners must ensure that cats (over the age of six months) are:
- Microchipped, and wearing a collar and registration tag, for identification purposes if a cat becomes lost or injured. Tags should include the cat’s name and owner’s contact number(s).
- Sterilised (unless you are a registered breeder)
- Registered, with their local council (a non-refundable fee applies to the application):
- $20 per year
- $42.50 for 3 years
- $100 for lifetime
Cats are required to wear a collar and a current registration tag. This will help in safely returning your cat if it is ever lost or injured. Cats found without identification risk being taken to the Wanneroo Animal Care Centre, where they are housed temporarily before being transferred to Cat Haven in Shenton Park. Contact Cat Haven on 9442 3600.
Cat owners found to be non-compliant with these requirements may result in a $200 on-the-spot infringement and fines of up to $5000 if prosecuted.
The City of Wanneroo recommends that responsible cat owners:
- Ensure that all vaccinations are up-to-date.
- Worm and flea treat their cat when required.
- Keep their cat indoors between dusk and dawn This is to protect native flora and fauna; reduce the likelihood of cats being involved in road accidents; and to limit fighting with other roaming or feral cats.
- Contain cats to their property/install an outdoor cat enclosure.
- Make arrangements for a responsible person to care for their cat or place their cat in a boarding facility when on holiday or away from home.
Limit on number of cats
Households in the City of Wanneroo are limited to three cats on their property.
Households can apply for permission to keep more than three cats by completing the keeping more than three cats application form outlining the reasons why they wish to keep more than the required number of cats. A fee of $162 applies to the application. The fee is non-refundable should the application be declined.
Application to keep more than three cats online form
Pensioner concessions
Pensioner concessions are available for eligible cardholders, who may register their cats for 50 per cent of the cat registration fee.
A copy of a current Pensioner Concession Card OR a copy of either a Centrelink or Department of Veteran Affairs ‘Commonwealth Seniors Health Card’ together with a Seniors Card must be produced to prove eligibility.
A refund is available if a person obtains the Pensioner Concession during the current registration period, and may be obtained by a written request to the City, together with copies of the above documents.
Cat breeders
If you are a current cat breeder or wish to become a breeder you must apply for a cat breeding permit from the City.
These permits are valid for 12 months. A fee of $100 per breeding cat is payable. Breeding cats are also required to be registered.
When a cat is sold or given away, you must ensure the cat is microchipped and sterilised prior to transfer.
If the cat cannot be sterilised due to its young age, you must issue a prepaid sterilisation voucher to the new owner.
Even if you wish to only breed one litter from your cat, you are considered a cat breeder.