Cats

The Cat Act 2011 (the Act) was introduced by the State Government to ensure responsible pet ownership and reduce the impact of stray cats on native wildlife and the environment.

Under the Act, all cats aged six (6) months and older must be:

  • Microchipped
  • Sterilised 
  • Registered with the local government where the cat is ordinarily kept
  • Wearing a registration tag issued by that local government

These requirements help ensure cats can be identified and returned home if lost, while supporting responsible pet ownership within our community.

In the Shire of Nannup, a maximum of three (3) cats may be kept at any residence.

Rangers are authorised to enforce the Act and Local Laws. Penalties may apply if the requirements of the legislation are not met.

Registration

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Cat registrations cannot be processed without proof of compliance. All documents must match your identity and current details.

You will need:

  • Microchip certificate
  • Sterilisation certificate
  • Proof of pensioner concession (if applicable)

Download and complete the Cat Registration Form 
(New registrations must include a signed declaration by the owner).

Please submit your application in person or by post to the Shire.

Step 2: Payment

The Shire will process your application once all documentation is received.

Registration is not valid until payment is made.

Sterilised Cat Registration Fees
Fee type 1 Year 3 Years  Lifetime 
Standard  $20.00 $42.50 $100.00
Pensioner $10.00 $21.25 $50.00
Important to note:
  • Registration period runs from 1st November through to 31st October each year due (regardless of the date when the pet is registered).
  • Lifetime registrations remain valid for the life of the cat.
  • A person under 18 years of age cannot register a cat in their name.

Microchipping and Sterilisation

All cats over six (6) months must be microchipped and sterilised.

(Unless exempt by a veterinarian or kept for the purpose of breeding and owned by an approved breeder).

Microchipping: provides identification and greatly increases the chance of your cat being returned if lost.

Sterilisation: prevents unexpected litters and helps reduces the number of stray cats in our community, negatively impacting the native wildlife and causing nuisance behaviours.

These services are both available through your local veterinary clinics.

Application to keep more than the prescribed number of cats

In the Shire of Nannup, a maximum of three (3) cats may be kept at any one residence.

An application to keep more than the prescribed number of cats must be submitted and approved by the Shire, before any additional cats are kept on the property. 

Breeding Cats

If you wish to breed cats, you must apply for a Breeding Permit with the Shire.

When selling or rehoming a cat or kitten:

  • The animal must be microchipped prior to transfer of ownership.
  • The animal must be sterilised prior to transfer of ownership unless exempt under legislation.
  • For kittens under six (6) months of age, a prepaid sterilisation voucher must be provided to the new owner.

Update Your Cat's Registration and Microchip Details

It is a mandatory requirement to notify both the Shire and relevant microchip database company, if your cat’s ownership, address, status or details change.

Submit an Update of Animal Registration when:

  • You move address or relocate to another local government area
  • Your cat is rehomed or ownership changes
  • Your cat passes away

Remember to update the cat’s microchip details with the relevant microchip database company.

To identify the correct database company, enter your pet's microchip number into: Pet Address

Maintaining accurate records supports compliance and assists with effective animal management within our community and State.

Keeping Your Cat Safe and Happy

Providing a safe and enriching home environment helps reduce roaming behaviour and keeps your cat healthy and content.

For more tips and information, click on the links below:

RSPCA Cat Care Guide

Laws for Responsible Cat Owners

Nuisance Cats and Trapping

Under the Act, the Shire of Nannup may seize cats found on private property without the permission of the property owner or occupier.

However, trapping is considered a last resort and will only be used after other deterrents, and resolution methods have been tried without success.

The Shire can assist residents in managing nuisance cat behaviour, but residents are encouraged to first attempt to resolve the issue using the guidance below.

Step 1: Speak with the Cat Owner

As a first step, you are encouraged to speak with the cat’s owner (if known). Often, owners may not be aware that their cat is causing a nuisance and are willing to address the issue once informed.

Step 2: Trap hire

If you are experiencing ongoing issues with a nuisance cat, a Shire cat trap may be available for hire.

When using a Shire cat trap, you must follow the below requirements:

  • The hire period is up to 14 days. Fees may apply if the trap is not returned within this timeframe.
  • Traps may be used on weekdays only, excluding Friday nights, to allow the Shire Ranger to collect any captured cat promptly. This service is not available on weekends.
  • Only cats caught in approved traps will be accepted.
  • Traps must be used in accordance with the trapping guide and the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (Animal Welfare Act).
  • The hirer is responsible for returning the trap in good working order. Lost or damaged traps may incur a replacement fee.
  • Use only approved cat traps. DO NOT use leg-hold or body-grip traps or snares.
  • Ensure the trap is regularly checked (at least twice per day) so that caught cats are not caged for extended periods.

Captured Cat Reporting and Handling

  • Contact the Shire as soon as you become aware that a cat has been captured.
  • Cover the trap with a breathable towel or sheet to protect the cat and reduce stress.
  • Cats must remain in the trap until collected by, or handed to, the Shire Ranger.
    Care of Trapped Cats
    • Ensure that any caught cats are provided with sufficient food and water. (It is a lot easier to ensure food and water are already in the trap before catching any cats).
    • If the cat is sick or injured, seek veterinary treatment.
    • Any lactating cat caught in a trap should be released, unless the kittens can also be located and removed as well.

    Prohibited Actions

    • DO NOT relocate the cat and release in the bush or elsewhere. Abandonment is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.
    • DO NOT destroy the cat yourself – as techniques such as striking, gassing, poisoning and drowning are unacceptable and may constitute an offence under the Animal Welfare Act. 

    Any ill-treatment of cats may be an offence under the Animal Welfare Act and may result in prosecution.

    What happens when a cat is impounded?

    All impounded cats will be scanned for a microchip and checked for a valid registration.

    If the owner is identified:

    The owner will be contacted, and the cat may be reclaimed after any relevant fees, and compliance requirements are met. If the cat is not reclaimed following issuance of a seizure notice, the cat may be rehomed after seven (7) working days.

    Where no identification is found:

    The cat may be rehomed after three (3) working days. Feral cats will be managed in accordance with the Act.

    For a list of animals currently impounded at the Shire, please see the Impounded Animals page.

    Deterrents and Repellents

    Cats tend to return to familiar areas. The following deterrents may help discourage them from entering your property.

    Natural repellents:
    • Lavender oil
    • Citronella
    • Lemongrass
    • Garlic
    • Vinegar
    Plants that may deter cats:
    • Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus)
    • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
    • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
    • “Scaredy Cat” plant (Plectranthus caninus)

    Related Legislation 

    The Cat Act 2011

    Animal Welfare Act 2002