Being a Responsible Cat Owner

Cats have a reputation for being independent, but they still need care and discipline for their own health and safety. As a responsible cat owner you should:

Keep control of your cat to minimise its impact on neighbours and wildlife
Identify your cat with a collar and tag, have it Microchipped and Lifetime Registered
Have your cat desexed

Domestic Cat

Under the provisions of the Companion Animals At 1998, cats within NSW are considered to have no boundaries and are to roam free. Due to this Council are unable to seize a stray cat unless it is in a prohibited place, such as a food preparation area or food consumption area.

In certain circumstances, Council can declare a cat a nuisance which will impose additional responsibilities on the cat owner to address or prevent behaviors of the cat. These circumstances include if it has attacked another animal or human, if it makes persistent, excessive noise that reasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises; or if it repeatedly damages anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept.

Responsible Cat Ownership information can be found by visiting here

How Does Council Deal With a Nuisance Cat Complaint?

Council takes the following steps after receiving a complaint about a nuisance cat:

The owner is advised of the complaint and advice is offered on how to curb the cat's behaviour
If further complaints are received, a Nuisance Order may be placed on the cat which stays in place for six (6) months
Should the cat continue the nuisance behaviour, the Ranger may issue fines to the value of $330
Further non-compliance may see the owner of the cat prosecuted by the local court (a request for the removal of the cat from the property may be sought)
Council's Ranger does not collect straying cats, but they will receive them at the Shelter

Feral Cats

Feral Cats are the same species as domestic cats however they live and reproduce in the wild and survive by hunting or scavenging, generally using their traits to adapt to the Australian environment and prey on native wildlife.

Feral cats threaten the survival of over 100 native species in Australia and are considered a pest. The management of feral cats falls within the responsibility of Local Land Services under Australian biosecurity legislation.

Council recommends you do not engage with or handle feral cats as they can carry infectious diseases which can be transmitted to native animals, domestic livestock and humans.

Call 1300 795 299 to contact your Local Land Services office from Monday to Friday during business hours.

Feral Cats Feral cats - Local Land Services (nsw.gov.au)

Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan: See Central West Pest Strategic Pest Animal Management (LLS)

Being a Responsible Cat Owner