Cat owners' responsibilities
Taking care of your cat and follow cat ownership laws, including cat curfews.
Caring for your cat
Cats can make great companions and a wonderful addition to a family. Studies show that having a cat can have many physical and psychological benefits such as improving cardiovascular health and reducing stress and anxiety.
Whilst there are many things that cats can do for their families, it is important that their family also takes care of them by providing them a safe and healthy environment and also by following laws regarding cat ownership.
Darebin Pets Factsheet(PDF, 162KB)
Safe and Happy Cats
Cat curfew: 7pm to 7am, every day of the year
In 2021, we introduced a night-time cat curfew (from 7pm to 7am). The curfew applies 7 days a week, year-round.
This means that residents must keep their cats confined within their property boundary during this time.
Read more details below, including how to install a cat enclosure or construct a cat proof fence.
Why has a night cat curfew been introduced?
Cats are most active at night, particularly at dusk and dawn. This coincides with the activity periods of many species of native wildlife. The City of Darebin is home to more than 179 species of significant plants and animals.
We work to protect and enhance remnant local native and indigenous vegetation and wildlife. Cats hunting other animals was an important driving factor when we decided to introduce a cat curfew.
Confining cats at night not only benefits wildlife. Benefits to cats and the community include:
- Cats that are kept inside at night generally live much longer than cats that are allowed outside to roam
- Around 80% of accidents involving cats occur at night
- Wandering cats are vulnerable to disease and attacks from other cats or dogs. Feline Aids, which is ultimately fatal for a cat, is transmitted from cat to cat through fighting
- Confining cats at night minimises the risk of injury and prevents it from fighting and wandering onto neighbouring properties
- Roaming cats also cause disputes and anxiety between neighbours - by causing dogs to bark, by fighting with other cats, urinating and defecating in neighbouring gardens and breeding
Can my cat still go outside?
During the curfew, your cat must not leave your property boundary. You may choose to supervise outside time or install cat proof fencing, netting or an enclosure. Other options for confinement during this time may be setting up a shed or keeping your cat inside.
There is no curfew during the day, however we recommend confining your cat within your property boundary during the day for its safety and the safety of our wildlife and to prevent it causing a nuisance to other residents.
Do I still need to register my cats if it is confined to my property?
Yes. All cats and dogs over the age of 3 months must be registered with their local Council – this is a requirement under Victorian law, as outlined in the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
Registration fees not only cover the cost of a collection and return service should your cat find itself lost. Your fee contributes to many other animal-related initiatives in your community such as:
- A 24/7 emergency animal collection service
- A pound service and animal adoption centre
- A program to subsidise the desexing of pets living in Darebin and regular discounted microchipping opportunities
- A portion of the registration fee includes the State Government Levy which is used to help provide education programs for schools and preschools as well as adults. The levy is also used to fund State Government research into dog and cat welfare and control issues
- One free pet registration per household for pensioners
- Registration also assists us to collect information about local animal populations that informs planning and funding for future animal-related activities
- Animal Management staff to be able to respond to animal complaints within the community such as dog attacks, nuisance animals, stray and injured animals and to also patrol parks
- Education for the local community such as publications, social media messaging and school visits
- Domestic animal business audits
- Management of dangerous and restricted breed dogs
- Emergency welfare boarding for pets of victims of domestic violence
What do I do if I see a cat out during curfew hours?
Council Officers do not respond to reports of roaming cats during curfew hours and do not capture cats seen roaming in public.
If there is a cat (or several) that visit your property without your permission, check to see they are owned by your neighbours. Start with having a gentle and respectful conversation regarding the impacts of their cats wandering and responsibilities regarding cat ownership.
If the issue cannot be resolved this way, you can request a Council cat trap to contain any cats that trespasses on your property without your permission. Contact Council on 03 8470 8888 during business hours and a service request will be lodged with the Animal Management Team.
I don’t know how to get my cat to come home by 7pm. What do I do?
Whilst there is only an overnight cat curfew, Council does recommend that cats are confined within their property boundary at all times.
If your cat is outside normally during the curfew try changing their routine by:
- introducing an earlier feed time (if fed in the evenings) and then keep your cat inside or confined overnight
- supervise outdoor time
- keeping your cat occupied with things to do, using cat toys, treats etc
- consider other ways to keep your cat safe and confined such as cat enclosures, netting or cat runs
Will I be fined if my cat is caught?
If your cat is contained and is not identifiable or registered with us, it will be taken to the Wat Djerring Animal Facility located at 20 Companion Place, Epping. Release and registration fees will apply to collect your cat.
Penalties may also apply for breaching Council’s Cat Curfew Order.
Cat proof fencing and cat enclosures
It is possible to build cat enclosures or cat proof fencing. The Animal Welfare Victoria website has guides and diagrams to build cat enclosures and cat proof fences.