Owning A Cat

In Western Australia, the laws for owning a cat under the Cat Act 2011 require that all domestic cats over six months old must be sterilized, microchipped, and registered with their local government. Additionally, cats must wear a collar with a valid registration tag, and owners may face fines for non-compliance. 

Key Requirements:

  • Sterilisation: All cats over six months old must be sterilized. 
  • Microchipping: All cats over six months old must be microchipped. 
  • Registration: All cats over six months old must be registered with their local council. 
  • Collars and Tags: Cats must wear a collar with a valid registration tag. 
  • Breeding Approvals: If you are a breeder, you need to have a specific approval to breed cats. 
  • Number of Cats: Local governments can set limits on the number of cats allowed per residence, but generally, you can have up to three cats. 

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

  • Fines can be imposed for failing to comply with registration, sterilization, or microchipping requirements. 
  • Failure to wear a registration tag can result in a fine. 
  • Breeding without the proper approval can also result in penalties. 

Additional Information:

  • The local government in which you live will have more specific information on cat registration and other local laws. 
  • You can contact your local council or Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for more information on cat laws in WA. 
  • Registration fees vary depending on the period of registration (e.g., 1 year, 3 years, lifetime) and whether you qualify for a pensioner concession. 
  • Sterilization tattoos are also a form of identification for sterilized cats.