Cat curfew FAQs

A cat curfew is a legal requirement to keep a cat confined to the owner’s property.

When cats are outdoors they can attack wildlife, get hit by cars, injure or be injured by other cats and spread diseases such as feline AIDS. They can also spray, howl and annoy neighbours, especially during mating season.

Food, comfort and warmth are major driving forces in a cat’s life which they can all get at home. If your cat is not already de-sexed then spaying or neutering it will also help decrease its desire to wander, as well as make it a more pleasant companion. Learn more by reading Confining cats or kittens(DOCX, 161KB) .

The cat curfew applies from sunset to sunrise.

Yes, your cat can still go outside as long as it stays on your property. Learn more by reading Enclosures and fencing(DOCX, 157KB).

Cat trapping is not the only solution to keeping stray cats out of your property. The easiest way is to make your yard unattractive to them by using techniques such as installing chicken wire under your soil, installing a motion sensor sprinkler or scattering orange and lemon peels in your garden. Learn more about cat-proofing your backyard. Learn more by reading Alternatives to cat trapping(DOCX, 159KB).

We intend to raise awareness of the curfew and work with your compliance to keep cats safely indoors. We hope this will become an everyday behaviour rather than a Council-enforced curfew.

Our community will have ample time to adapt to the new legislative change while cats are trained and potential equipment is sourced and installed.

A fine of $182.00 for a first offence and $546.00 for a second or subsequent offence apply, but this is not Council’s first preference.

Yes! It's a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness.

Playing regularly with your cat and providing entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated, and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. It also keeps local wildlife safe.

Giving cats a scratching pole, toys or an enclosed run via a window will allow your cat safe access to the garden and re-entry to your house/shed. Learn more about keeping your cat happy and safe by reading Confining cats or kittens(DOCX, 161KB), or by visiting safecat.org.au.

Yes, registration fees are still payable, but generous discounts apply for cats that are de-sexed or over 10 years of age.

We will contact you and discuss options to help confine your cat.

Stray wandering cats can go onto a property at night and make noise, and destroy property and native wildlife.

Wild and feral cats can fight with owned cats and spread diseases such as feline AIDS, and they can make excessive noise when in mating season.

If you know who owns the cat try speaking to them first, and Council also provides a humane cat trapping program in an attempt to reduce the impact of wild and feral cats.

Learn more about the humane trapping of cats and alternatives to cat trapping by reading Humane trapping of cats(DOCX, 155KB) and Alternatives to cat trapping(DOCX, 159KB).