Cats

Waverley Council encourages responsible cat ownership.

Cats are domesticated animals that can happily live indoors for their whole life. In fact, research shows cats that stay indoors live longer, healthier lives. When cats are outside, they are notorious predators of native wildlife. Research has shown that a pet cat on average kills 186 reptiles, birds and mammals a year, with most owners unaware of their cats kills.

A healthy cat requires adequate food and shelter. Cat owners in Waverley are encouraged to keep their cats contained on their property, either inside or in an outdoor cat run.

Council does not have regulatory powers to restrict roaming cats, unless clear evidence is available that shows that noise from the cat is causing a nuisance, or the cat is damaging a neighbours property or wildlife. Contact customer service, or use the Snap Send and Solve app to report a nuisance cat.

Microchipping & registration

The NSW Pet Registry is a database of microchipped and registered cats and dogs that live in NSW. This is the official database in NSW for registering your animal in accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998. Microchipping your pet and keeping the details up to date is the most effective way to help ensure your pet can be returned to you if it becomes lost.

All cats and dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks and registered by 6 months of age. The registration fee is a once-only payment, which covers the cat or dog for its lifetime. Owners of cats not desexed by 4 months of age must pay an annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee. Click for information on how to register your dog or cat.

Keeping your cat safe

Free-roaming cats face risks to their safety and wellbeing, such as unfriendly dogs, speeding cars, baiting and cruel people. They often get hurt fighting with other cats and also hunt or harm local wildlife. Roaming cats are more likely to catch infectious diseases such as FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and spread parasites such as intestinal worms and fleas. They may also cause neighbourhood disputes. Keep in mind that not all citizens appreciate feline visitors on their property.

Waverley Council strongly recommends that cats are confined to their owner’s property at all times. While it is not a legal requirement to keep cats contained, it does help keep our loved pets safe and free from harm and help protect native wildlife.

Prohibited areas for cats

Cats are prohibited in the following places;

  • Food preparation and consumption areas
  • Wildlife protections areas

Lost cats

Report your missing cat to Council within 72 hours.

  • Check local vets and pounds. Councils pound is Sydney Dogs and Cats home
  • Ask around the neighbourhood and check with your neighbours
  • Put a post up on your local community Facebook page

Notify Council within 14 days if any change occurs in your cat’s details e.g. you change your address, you change your contact details or you sell or give the animal away. You can update the details online on the NSW Pet Registry directly or by completing the Change of Owner Details form or Change of Address Notice and submitting it to info@waverley.nsw.gov.au

What to do if you find a cat

There are limited circumstances for cats to be impounded or seized. When you come across a friendly & healthy cat, think twice about picking it up, as cats are allowed to roam. It is important to be aware of the laws that determine when you are legally allowed to remove or seize a cat. If you are concerned about a cat’s welfare:

  • Check for identification/registration tag and contact the owner
  • Ask around the neighbourhood to see if anyone has lost their cat
  • Call Council for advice
  • Call the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League to report concerns.

If you can't find the owner, you are required by law to release the cat - failure to do so can incur a $550 fine.