Caring for your cat
Cats are a popular pet choice and can be wonderful companions. They are highly adaptable and flexible, fitting into domestic life easily. Learn how to keep your cat safe and ensure they don't become a nuisance.
Containing your cat safely on your property
Cats must be confined to the owner's property at all times – just like dogs. Tough penalties apply for cats found wandering off their property.
It is your responsibility to provide a secure escape-proof fence or enclosure. A wandering cat:
- is in danger of becoming lost, injured or killed
- can spread disease and harm wildlife
- may disrupt neighbours.
Options to consider to keep your cat contained to your property include:
- modifying existing fencing to make it cat proof, which will give your cat access to the whole yard
- containing your cat inside your home and providing supervised daily play sessions outdoors
- building an enclosure attached to your house, which will allow outdoor access.
Learn more with the keeping your cat safely contained fact sheet(PDF, 836KB)
Desexing your cat
Desexing has many benefits and will help your cat live a healthier and longer life. Desexing can:
- reduce unwanted kittens and feral cat numbers
- protect from injury and disease
- stop aggressive behaviour in males
- prevent roaming, spraying and noise nuisance.
Keeping cats happy
Keep your cat happy and healthy by creating an interesting environment for its physical, mental and social needs.
This includes:
- food and water – provide separate areas for eating away from the litter trays
- health and nutrition – speak to your local vet about age appropriate behaviour and care
- plants and grass – grow non-toxic varieties for your cat to smell, rub against and even eat
- toys and exercise – cats love to play with toys that make noise and move, and you can train your cat to walk on a leash or harness outside
- scratching posts – these help cats stretch their muscles and sharpen claws
- space – provide dedicated 'own' areas in multi-cat households to prevent aggression
- resting areas – provide quiet areas where your cat can feel secure and safe
- viewing areas – provide elevated vantage points where your cat access sunshine and observe surroundings
- toileting areas – each cat requires his/her own litter box, which should be scooped daily and clean weekly to reduce odour.
Learn more with the keeping your cat safe and happy(PDF, 673KB) fact sheet.