Cat Information
Responsible Cat Ownership Checklist
- Keep your cat confined to your property, especially at night.
- Ensure your cat is easily identifiable with a collar and a name tag.
- Microchip your cat.
- Sterilise your cat.
- Vaccinate your cat.
Cat Laws
Please find frequently asked questions relating to the impending new Cat laws here.
The West Australian state government introduced the Cat Act 2011 to encourage responsible cat ownership, reduce the number of unwanted cats in the community and the number of cats euthanized.
Microchipping
All cats must be identified by a microchip*. This ensures that a lost or injured cat can be easily returned to its owner and enables Rangers to easily determine if a cat is a pet, a stray or a feral animal.
*Unless a veterinarian has certified that the cat is not fit to be microchipped.
Sterilisation
The owner of a cat that has reached six months of age must ensure that the cat is sterilised by a veterinarian, unless:
- a certificate has been given by a veterinarian stating that to sterilise the cat may adversely affect the health and welfare of the cat; or
- the cat is owned by an approved cat breeder for the purpose of breeding.
If an unsterilised cat is being transferred from one owner to another, the seller must provide the purchaser with a voucher for a veterinarian to sterilise the cat (even if the cat is being given away).
Registration:
All cats aged over 6 months should be registered and wear the registration tag on their collars when in a public place.
Cats must be microchipped and sterilised (unless exempt) before cat owners can apply to register their cat.
Cat registrations renewals can be paid online or in person at the Shire of Kojonup.
Transfer of Ownership
Before you give or sell your cat to another person, you need to make sure that the cat is microchipped and sterilised.
If the cat is currently registered with the Shire of Kojonup, you need to notify the Shire by completing a (transfer form).
Cats Deceased or Transferred out of the Shire.
If you wish to cancel your cat's registration, please click on the link below to download a Cancellation of Cat Registration Form. Please note that refunds are not issued for cancellation of cat registrations.
Nuisance Cats
Under current state legislation it is not illegal for cats to stray onto private property.
Rangers are able to trap cats for the purpose of identifying the cat’s owner and checking for compliance with the Cat Act 2011, which requires cats to be registered, microchipped and sterilised (unless exempt).
If you are experiencing issues with cats coming on to your property, the Shire recommends that, if you know where the cat is from, you contact the cat’s owner and let them know of your concerns first then contact the Ranger if the problem persists.