Cat Act 2011

Have you registered your cat?

All cats that have reached the age of six months are now required to be:

• Microchipped;
• Sterilised;
• Registered with the relevant local government (Shire of Woodanilling)
• Your cat will be required to wear a collar and registration tag to ensure they can be easily identified and returned to you if they become lost.

The State regulations state that:

Registration, identification and sterilisation of cats

Division 1 — Registration and tagging
Subdivision 1 — Cats must be registered and tagged

Cats to be registered

The owner of a cat that has reached 6 months of age must ensure that the cat is registered with the local government in whose district the cat is ordinarily kept. Penalty: a fine of $5 000.

Infringement notices

(1) An offence against regulation 6(1) is a prescribed offence for the purposes of section 62(1) of the Act and the modified penalty for the offence is a fine of $200.

To register you cat please complete the Registration Form and submit at the Shire office.

What Do Our New Cat Laws Mean For You And Your Feline Friend?

As From 1st November 2013, all domestic cats in Western Australia, over 6 months of age, will need to be sterilised, microchipped and registered with their local government as the full Cat Act 2011 comes into effect.

Our new Cat laws are about encouraging responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of unwanted cats in the community and the number that are euthanized each year.

14. Cats to be microchipped

(1) The owner of a cat that has reached 6 months of age must ensure that the cat is
microchipped, unless the cat is exempt from microchipping.
Penalty: a fine of $5 000.

(2) A cat is exempt from microchipping if a certificate given by a veterinarian stating that the
implantation of a microchip in the cat may adversely affect the health and welfare of the
cat applies in respect of the cat.

Extract from www.slp.wa.gov.au, see website for further information

What Does This Mean For You And Your Feline Friend?

From 1 November 2013, all cats that have reached the age of six months are required to be:

• Microchipped;
• Sterilised; and
• Registered with the relevant local government
• Your cat will be required to wear a collar and registration tag to ensure they can be easily identified and returned to you if they become lost.

My Cat Is Very Old – Do I Still Need To Have It Sterilised?

Yes, our legislation applies to all cats of all ages. However, your vet can issue an exemption certificate if sterilising your cat is likely to have a negative impact on your cat’s health and welfare.

Limits On Cat Numbers

The legislation does not limit the number of cats that can be owned. This will fall to local governments who may choose to introduce a local law. If a local government introduces a local law limiting cat numbers, it will not apply to cats currently owned. However an owner will not be able to replace a cat if it is sold, given away or dies, until they are down to the required number.

How Does This Affect Cat Breeders?

The legislation requires that a person who chooses to breed cats must apply to their local government for a permit. 

What Concessions Or Assistance Will Be Available For Pensioners Or Low Income Earners?

The government has provided funding to assist and provide low cost sterilisation for cats owned by pensioners and people on low income. Pensioners will also receive a discount on registration fees.

Where Can I Get More Information?

For more information, including tips for being a responsible cat owner, visit the Department of Local Government and Communities’ Responsible Cat Ownership web page at www.dlg.wa.gov.au or contact the Shire of Woodanilling 08 9823 1506