You have a legal responsibility to microchip your cat, provide adequate housing and ensure your cat is not a nuisance to others. Your cat must also be contained to your property at all times and fines can apply if your cat is caught or photographed off your property. Cat owners’ obligations are prescribed under the Local Laws and Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. The RSPCA has a knowledge base with information about caring for your cat, cat behaviours and dealing with cats in your community.
In our region cats must be microchipped before they reach 12 weeks old, and if they are being sold or given away. A microchip will make it easy for us to reunite you with your cat if you become separated. Ensure your contact details are up-to-date with the microchip company. The easiest way to do this is to search Pet Address using your cat’s microchip number. Pet Address will redirect you to the database that lists your pet’s microchip number. If you don’t know your cat’s microchip number your vet can provide it by scanning your cat.
Desexing your cat not only prevents unwanted pregnancies, it also helps protect your cat from certain illnesses and makes them less likely to be injured or killed while roaming. Cats that wander, are abandoned, or ‘go wild’ become indiscriminate killers and severely impact wildlife.
Problem Cats
Identify who owns the cat and discuss your concerns. If you cannot get a resolution with a direct approach or do not know the owner, you can trap the cat and bring it to us. All trapped cats need to be treated humanely.
If your neighbour is unapproachable, or does not agree that a problem exists, you should contact us for further advice.