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Cats

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Cats are a valued part of many households, and responsible cat ownership helps keep pets safe, protects local wildlife and supports a positive neighbourhood environment.

Woman holding cat at home

This page provides information about:


Responsible cat ownership

Cat registration

You must record your contact details and your cat's microchip details in Dogs and Cats Online (DACO). No fee is applied. 

You can access DACO at any time to:

  • Record your cat's microchip number
  • Update your contact details
  • Report your cat as lost.

Keep your cat’s microchip details up to date, especially if you move or change contact information.

A microchip is the most reliable form of identification and can help reunite you with your cat quickly if it becomes lost.

Microchipping

You must microchip your cats by the time they’re 12 weeks old unless a vet exempts your cat due to medical reasons.

Your local vet can do this for you, or visit Chipblitz to get information about their discount micro-chipping days.

Your cat's microchipping details must be recorded on Dogs and Cats Online

Desexing

Cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by the time they turn six months old (or 28 days after you buy them).

Cats owned by registered breeders are exempt from being desexed, but they do still need to be microchipped.

A veterinarian may grant a desexing exemption if the procedure poses an undue risk to the animal's health or adversely affects its growth, development or wellbeing.

For more information about desexing, visit the Dog and Cat Board - Desexing

Cat in cat enclosureKeeping cats safe and contained

Cat owners are encouraged to keep their pets safely contained to their property.

Cats that roam beyond their home can sometimes cause concerns in the community, including:

  • Interacting or fighting with other cats
  • Disturbing or hunting local wildlife
  • Entering neighbouring properties where they may be unwelcome.

While cats can be more independent than dogs, there are many ways to keep them safe and comfortable at home. Options include:

  • Secure cat enclosures or cat runs
  • Cat-proof fencing
  • Supervised outdoor time
  • Keeping cats indoors, particularly at night.

Keeping cats contained helps protect them from injury, disease and getting lost, while also reducing impacts on neighbours and wildlife.

Keeping more than two cats

If you want to keep more than two cats on your property, you must apply for Council permission under the Council's Cats By-law No. 7 of 2025 (the By-law), unless an exemption applies.

Use this form to apply for approval to keep more than two cats at the property you occupy.

Application to Keep Additional Cats 

Lost and found cats

Cats are an important part of many households and communities. Some cats that are seen roaming may be family pets exploring their neighbourhood, while others may be lost, abandoned, stray or feral.  

Lost and found cats

If you have lost your cat

If your cat is missing, there are several organisations that may be able to help reunite cats with their families.

Contact the following organisations:

If you have found a cat

Check whether the cat is wearing identification or has a microchip that can be scanned by a veterinarian, the Animal Welfare League or the RSPCA 

The Council hopes that all lost cats are safely reunited with their owners as quickly as possible.

Stray and feral cats

Understanding the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat can help determine the most appropriate response.

Stray cats

Stray cats have usually been owned by people at some stage. They may be:

  • lost or separated from their family
  • abandoned
  • wandering from their home.

These cats are generally more accustomed to people and may seek human interaction.

Feral cats

Feral cats have not been domesticated and live independently. They typically avoid human contact and survive by hunting wildlife and scavenging for food.

True feral cats are usually wary of people and should not be approached.

For more information, visit: Dogs and Cats - Unowned & Feral Cats

Cats entering your property

If a cat has been regularly entering your property or appears to have taken up residence there, the Council recommends the following steps.

What you can do:

  • Speak with your neighbours – the cat may belong to a nearby resident
  • Look for identification such as a collar or tag
  • If the owner cannot be identified, you may safely contain the cat and arrange for it to be taken to a veterinary clinic, the RSPCA or the Animal Welfare League within 12 hours of capture.

Important

  • It is illegal to trap an identified cat
  • If you know who owns the cat, or the cat has identification, it must be released immediately
  • Take care not to place yourself, the cat or other animals at risk.

A caring approach

Most cats entering residential properties are either owned pets or cats in need of assistance. A calm and considerate approach gives the best chance of identifying the owner and ensuring the cat’s safety and wellbeing.

Frequently asked questions

Responsible cat ownership

Why should I register and microchip my cat?

Registration and microchipping help identify your cat if it becomes lost and improve the chances of being reunited with your pet.

Why is desexing recommended?

Desexing helps prevent unwanted litters, can reduce roaming behaviour, and contributes to managing cat populations within the community.

What are my responsibilities as a cat owner?

Cat owners should provide appropriate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, identification, and ensure their cat does not create a nuisance for neighbours or local wildlife.

Keeping your cat safe and contained

Why should I keep my cat contained to my property?

Containment helps protect cats from traffic, disease, injury, getting lost, and conflicts with other animals. It also reduces impacts on neighbours and wildlife.

How can I safely contain my cat?

Options include cat enclosures, cat runs, cat-proof fencing, secure outdoor areas, supervised outdoor time, or keeping your cat indoors.

Is it cruel to keep a cat indoors or in an enclosure?

No. Cats can live happy, healthy lives when provided with enrichment such as toys, scratching posts, climbing structures, and regular interaction.

Lost, stray and found cats

What should I do if my cat goes missing?

Check your property thoroughly, speak with neighbours, contact local veterinary clinics, animal shelters and welfare organisations, and update your cat's microchip details if needed.

I have found a cat. What should I do?

If it is safe to do so, check whether the cat appears healthy and owned. You can ask neighbours, contact a local veterinarian or animal welfare organisation, or have the cat scanned for a microchip.

What is the difference between a lost cat and a stray cat?

A lost cat is a pet that has become separated from its owner. A stray cat is generally a cat that may have once had an owner but is now living independently.

Cats in the community

Why are roaming cats a concern?

Roaming cats can disturb neighbours, interact with other cats, and impact local wildlife. Responsible containment helps reduce these issues.

How can I be a good neighbour if I own a cat?

Keep your cat contained to your property, ensure it is desexed and identified, and respond promptly if neighbours raise concerns about your cat's behaviour.

How does cat containment benefit the community?

It helps create safer neighbourhoods, protects wildlife, reduces nuisance complaints, and improves the welfare of pet cats.

Cats entering your property

A cat keeps visiting my property. What should I do?

First, speak with your neighbours to see if the cat belongs to someone nearby. Many roaming cats have homes and may simply be exploring the area.

What if I believe the cat is stray?

If you cannot identify the owner, you may wish to safely contain the cat and take it within 12 hours to a veterinary clinic, the Animal Welfare League or RSPCA to check for identification.

Can I trap a cat that enters my property?

It is illegal to trap a cat that has identification or whose owner is known. If an identified cat is trapped, it must be released immediately.

Who can help if I have concerns about a cat on my property?

For advice, visit Dogs and Cats for information or contact the Council.

 

Contact

Citizen Services Team
T: 08 8366 4555
E: townhall@npsp.sa.gov.au