Cats

Cat Registration

Get PDF version of registration form and other information here

Cat breeders are required to obtain a licence from the Shire.

The Shire of East Pilbara's Health Local Laws 6.6, requires approval is required for a cattery which generally entails the keeping of more than 2 cats.

Responsible Cat Ownership

The Cat Act 2011 came into effect on 1st of November 2013. All domestic cats in WA over the age of six months will need to be sterilised, micro-chipped and registered with their local Shire.

Just like dogs, cats 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 or trapped. What are some of the Problems with Cats?

Although the Shire of East Pilbara has many happy cat owners and many domestic cats that make the Shire a better place to live in, nuisance and feral cats can cause neighbourhood problems such as noise, attacks on pet cats, marking territory and defecating in gardens and childrens sand pits.

Cats are nocturnal (animals of the night). They may wander further at night leading to:

  • Mating and territorial behaviour;
  • Cat disease and injuries through dog attacks, fighting and mating;
  • Preying on wildlife;
  • Uncontrolled cats mating and fighting at night is a major source of noise complaint to Councils.

Every year thousands of cats are surrendered to the Cat Haven or SAFE however, only a quarter of these cats/kittens are able to find suitable homes.

(to access pdf version click top button "Get PDF version of registration form and other information")

What does the Cat Act require owners to do?

  1. To be registered (Over 6 months of age)
  2. To be micro chipped.
  3. To be desexed.
  4. To wear the registration tag.

What can I do to help?

  • Sterilise your cat. Sterilised cats are healthier, live longer and are less of a nuisance to the community. Free ranging unsterilised male cats spraying on doors and cars are a nuisance to neighbours. Sterilised male cats wander less and their urine doesn't have a high hormonal odour. Sterilised cats are marked with a tattoo in the ear to prevent further unnecessary surgery if the cat gets lost or finds a new home.
  • Restrict cat numbers to 2 at any property.
  • Confine your cat. Preferably cats should be confined to a pen or house at night between dusk and dawn.
  • Identify your cat. Many lost or injured cats never find their homes simply because they have no identification. Microchipping is the safest form of identification for cats, which are then registered at a central computer database.

What can I do if I have a problem with a nuisance or feral cat?

Herbal Sprays. For non-feral cats causing a nuisance on your property, there are a number of deterrent sprays that are available through vets and pet stores. There has been some success with herbal sprays made from chilli, garlic and water or the direct application of pepper to frequented areas. All sprays must be reapplied on a regular basis or after the area has had contact with water.

Lost or Impounded Cats

If your cat has disappeared please contact the Ranger who can advise you if your cat has been impounded. Additionally your details will be recorded into a lost cat register and can be returned home if picked up by the Ranger.

Pound Fees:

Impounding Fee  $85.00
Sustenance: Every day or part thereof   $20.00

No cat may be released from the pound until it is registered.

To see images of the cats currently held in the Pound please visit the Online Cat Pound

If an impounded cat has not been reclaimed within 7 days we will make every effort to find them a new home.

For further information or to make an appointment to collect an animal from the Pound, call (08) 9175 8000 or email us [email protected].

Cat Breeders

Did you know, even if you wish to only breed one litter from your cat, you are considered a cat breeder?

If you are a current cat breeder or wish to become a breeder you must apply for a cat breeding permit from your local government. These permits are valid for 12 months and a fee is applicable.

When a cat is sold or given away, the seller must ensure the cat is microchipped in the new owner's name and sterilised prior to transfer.

If the cat cannot be sterilised due to its health or age, the seller must provide a certificate from a veterinarian stating the reasons for the exemption. NOTE: This does not apply to cats under the age of 6 months.

How many cats can I have?

The Shire of East Pilbara has a limit of two cats per property. If you wish to keep more than 2 cats, you must first apply to the Shire of East Pilbara.

Application to keep more than two (2) cats.

Download Application