Cat curfew FAQ

A cat curfew is a specified time when cats are not allowed outside of your property boundary. 

The cat curfew protects their safety and the safety of local wildlife. The curfew reduces the number of cats impounded, cat-fights, cats being hit by cars and unplanned kitten litters.

During community consultation on our Domestic Animal Management Plan, 70 per cent of respondents supported a cat curfew. The curfew was introduced in April 2022.

Enforcement action can be taken against a cat owner whose cat is caught during curfew hours. The cat can be taken to the Council pound and the owner fined. Residents can request a cat trap from us if they have issues with cats trespassing during curfew hours.

Yes. There are 79 councils in Victoria, with the majority of councils having cat containment regulations. At least 37 councils have a cat curfew. Several councils are considering introducing one.

Cat owners can be fined if their cat is caught off their property during the curfew hours.

A cat trapped during curfew and picked up by officers will either be returned to the owners or taken to the Council pound. Owners have to pay a fee for a cat collected from the Council pound. Owners may also face other enforcement actions, such as a fine.

The cat curfew does not apply to the 'semi-owned' or stray cat population. It may assist with these cats if they are deemed a nuisance by property owners and are contained via cat traps.

Our animal management officers will collect any cats that are contained. Our officers will not collect any cats that are not contained in a trap or carrier.

Any pets that are found in our City, will be listed on the Lost Dogs Home website.   

Humane traps can be borrowed by residents for free for up to 2 weeks. Animal Management Officers will check your property to see if it is suitable to set a trap.

It’s important that cats are trapped in approved traps issued by Council and that the instructions we provide are followed.

Captured cats are taken to our Council pound. We check for identification to see if an owner can be located. If no owner is identified, the cats are given a behavioural assessment to see if they can be adopted.

Yes, it is legal for someone to trap a trespassing cat.

The Safe Cat website has resources to help your cat get used to an indoor lifestyle or outdoor enclosure. Some simple methods include:

• Feeding your cat indoors.
• Instead of letting your cat back outside as soon as they finish eating, keep them inside for longer.
• If you're retraining your cat during the winter, a warm, dry bed to snuggle in may encourage them to stay inside.
• Installing a cat run, cat enclosure or cat-proof fencing so your cat can roam safely on your property.

Yes, your cat can be outside if it stays on your property. An enclosure can help. There are lots available to buy or make. Cats can be kept:

• In your front or back yard if the cat is unable to leave your property boundary.
• Inside the home.
• In a suitable cat enclosure.

Yes, you can walk your cat on a lead during curfew hours.

A cat trespassing on private property can be trapped by the property owner. This is the case across all of Victoria.