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Safe at home
Responsible cat owners keep their pets contained to their properties. This protects the cat as well as wildlife. The RSPCA offers some handy information on how to be a responsible cat owner. Or you might want to consider joining the cat community at Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife.
What are your legal responsibilities as a cat owner in Western Australia?
Under the current state legislation, Cat Act 2011 if your cat is six months or older, it is required to be:
sterilised*
microchipped
registered with the relevant local government.
To ensure your cat can be easily identified and returned to you if it becomes lost, it is required to wear a collar and registration tag.
You will find more information about the Cat Act 2011 here.
Cat Act 2011 under review
The Cat Act 2011 is currently under review with recommendations having been submitted to the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) prior to the August 31st 2026. To see CLAWS recomendations for changes to the Cat Act 2011 click here.
Depending on where you live in WA, your local government may have additional requirements under its by-laws.
If you live within the City of Albany, read this.
If you live within the Shire of Denmark, read this.
If you live within the Shire of Plantagenet, read this
Cat owners living in other municipal areas, please consult the website of your town or shire for more information.
*Albany residents may be able to have their cat desexed free of charge. Please contact the Albany Animal Welfare for further information. Albany Animal Welfare Inc is an animal rescue and welfare registered charity run entirely by local volunteers.
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