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Cats
Cats | Responsible Cat Ownership | Nuisance Cats Pet Ownership and Wildlife
The NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 is about the welfare of animals, their owners, the community and the environment. The needs of pets, pet owners and non-pet owners are all legitimate. These needs must be appreciated and integrated within our community and the environment to ensure that pet owners, pets, and non-pet owners live harmoniously.
In New South Wales, cat owners are required to:
- Microchip a cat before it is rehomed or before the cat is 12 weeks of age (whichever comes first).
- Lifetime Register your cat at 6 months of age. Cats born before 1 July 1999 are exempt from microchip and registration, however must be identified. Owners can choose to microchip their cat or attach collar and id tag. NOTE: the exemption will no longer apply if the cat is rehomed or impounded.
- Make sure your cat does not enter food consumption areas or wildlife protection areas.
Under the Act, a Nuisance Order may be issued if a cat is found to be repeatedly making a noise, causing damage to property or injures or kills other animals.
In most cases it is an offence to seize a cat and unless a cat is injured or is proven to be abandoned or lost it should not be seized by any person other than an enforcement officer or other authorised person. Injured cats where the owner can not be identified should be taken to the nearest vet.
Other Companion Animal Information
Dogs | Registering Your Companion Animal | Animal Shelter | Local Vets
Updated: 16 Nov 2012
