FAQs

There is a legal requirement under s.3.12 of the Local Government Act 1995 to provide a public notice period for the proposed draft Cat Local Law. However, this process also allows the City to gain feedback from the local community regarding their opinion on cat management issues before the draft Cat Local Law is adopted by Council.

You can find it here

On the 1 November 2013, the full Cat Act 2011 took effect, which requires all cats that have reached six (6) months of age be:

• Microchipped (proof required)
• Sterilised (proof required, unless approved by local government as a Cat Breeder; conditions apply)
• Registered with the relevant local government. Download an application for Cat Registration here.

Cats are required to wear a collar and registration tag to ensure that owned cats can be easily identified and returned to their owner.

The Cat Act 2011 requires the identification, registration, and sterilisation of domestic cats, and gives local governments the power to administer and enforce the legislation.

Please be advised that the City is currently drafting a Cat Local Law. For more information, please reach out via the contact details on this page.

Whilst the Cat Act 2011 does not currently limit the number of cats that can be owned, clause 4.2 of the draft Cat Local Law proposes that a maximum of four (4) cats can be kept without a permit.

The proposed limit on cat numbers would not apply to cats owned prior to the proposed law's introduction, however, an owner would not be able to replace a cat if it is sold, given away, or dies, until they are down to the proposed maximum of four (4) cats per property.

There is no maximum allowable number of cats that may be kept with a valid permit, however all applications will be assessed taking into consideration the factors set out under clause 4.6 of the draft Cat Local Law.

Cats can be registered by:

1.           Completing the Animal registration form

2.           Providing the following information with the form;

(a)          Payment of prescribed fee

(b)         Proof of concession card holder (if applicable)

(c)          Proof of microchipping and sterilisation.

3.           Submit the completed form, payment and documents to the City of Armadale:

(a)          In person at the City’s Administration Centre, 7 Orchard Avenue, ARMADALE

(b)         By post to City of Armadale, Locked Bag 2, ARMADALE WA 6992

(c)          By email (payment details cannot be emailed, ask for Ranger Services to contact you to get your card details over the phone).

Once registered, if any details relating to your cat registration change (e.g. change of address) you must notify the City of Armadale by completing and returning the change of details form.

Fees

Pensioners pay half of the specified fees on presentation of their valid Pensioner Concession Card.

First time one-year registrations received on or after 1 June each year are subject to a 50% concession on the registration fees. Licences expire on the 31st October in the year specified on the animal registration form. 

There are multiple ways to make a payment for registration fees.

Selling of Cats

The transferal (selling/giving away) of cats without microchips or sterilisation is prohibited. For further information please refer to the Cat Act 2011 s. 23.Transfer of ownership of cats.

No, the proposed cat local law is not retrospective therefore you will be able to keep any cats that are currently registered in excess of the prescribed maximum number without a permit being required, however you will not be able to replace a cat if it is sold, given away or dies, until the numbers decrease under the maximum number of allowable cats allowed unless a permit is sought.

In the first instance please contact Ranger and Emergency Services on 9394 5000 to discuss your concerns.

The investigating Ranger may require you to provide a written statement outlining the nuisance behaviour and its effect on you, you may be requested to collect photographs, videos and additional evidence in support of your complaint. 

Under circumstances where the Rangers have deemed the cat’s behaviour to be a nuisance, you can apply for a City of Armadale cat trap and the Rangers will remove the trap.

However the City of Armadale strongly encourages anyone who is contemplating the use of cat traps to discuss their concerns with their surrounding neighbours beforehand.  

If you are experiencing issues with your neighbour’s cat entering and causing a nuisance on your property please contact Ranger and Emergency Services on 9394 5000.

Upon request the City can provide you with a humane cat trap to capture any nuisance cats trespassing on your property. Once a cat is trapped, please contact Ranger and Emergency Services immediately who will organise collect the cat. If you are trapping outside of normal Ranger hours, please ensure that the trap is situated under cover with food and water.

Once a cat is trapped and impounded by Ranger and Emergency Services it will be held for the prescribed amount of time required under the Cat Act 2011 in order for the rightful owner to collect.

Cat Control Notice issued by Ranger and Emergency Services generally allow fourteen (14) days for remedial action to be taken, however this is discretionary and an authorised Officer may provide more/less time depending upon the individual circumstance. 

Contact Ranger and Emergency Services on 9394 5000.

After the draft Cat Local Law has been placed in the Government Gazette.

The City of Armadale supports responsible pet ownership. Cat owners are encouraged to:

• Keep your cat confined to your property, especially at night - recommended
• Ensure your cat is easily identifiable with a collar and a name tag - required
• Microchip your cat - required
• Sterilise your cat - required
• Vaccinate your cat - required
• Be responsible and prevent your cat from becoming a nuisance to your neighbours - recommended

The RSPCA has produced a Guide to Keeping Your Cat Safe and Happy At Home, which has plenty of helpful information on what you need to provide for your cat inside, and how you can even offer your cat safe access to fresh air and the outdoors.

There are many benefits to keeping your cat safe, happy and secure in your house and backyard. Cats who roam face numerous risks, including traffic incidents, snake and insect bites, and altercations with dogs and other cats.

Find more information from the RSPCA website: https://www.rspca.org.au/adopt-pet/adopting-catkitten/safe-and-happy-cats