Cat ownership rules and management

Cat lying down on the floor.
If you own a cat, you need to make sure you are a responsible cat owner. This is for the safety of your pet, you and your family, and other people and animals in the community. An important part of being a responsible cat owner includes taking action to protect wildlife from your cat.

Dealing with nuisance cats

If a cat is causing any issues on your property, you might like to take the following actions:

Talk to your neighbours

If you know who owns the cat, the best place to start is with a polite and friendly conversation with the owner. They may not be aware of the problem and could make an effort to fix the situation.

Use natural cat deterrents and repellents

The following plants and items could help to deter cats:

  • Citrus fragrance (scatter orange or lemon peels or spray with citrus)

  • Coffee grounds

  • Oil of lavender

  • Garlic

  • Cinnamon

  • Lemongrass

  • Citronella

  • Eucalyptus

  • Vinegar sprayed on areas where they roam

  • Pine cones and heavy bark mulch (cats don't like the feeling on their feet)

  • Dried nut of bean shells, broken egg shells, holly leaves, or rock mulch

  You could also consider planting the following natural deterrents:

  • Curry plant - Helichrysum augustfolium, Geranium - Pelargonium

  • Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis

  • Scaredy cat plant - Plectranthus caninus , Lemon thyme - Thymus citriodorus

  • Lavender - Lavandula augustifolia, Pennyroyal - Mentha pulegrium

Use commercial cat repellent products

You can purchase commercial cat repellent sprays and gels from plant nurseries, vets and pet stores. These methods will only work if the cat does not like the smell of the product. Do not use a disinfectant that contains ammonia, as this may attracts cats to the area.

Cat Trapping

If you have already tried speaking with the cat's owner or using the above deterrents and the cat is still causing a nuisance, you may be eligible to use one of our cat traps. 
 
Our cat traps are available for residents to use on their own properties within the City of Belmont. They are free to hire and available on a weekly basis. 
 
You will be required to complete and sign a hire agreement form before receiving your trap. Please contact the Ranger Services on 9477 7224 for more information. 

Breeding cats

If you want to breed cats, you need to apply for a permit from the City of Belmont, in accordance with the Cat Act 2011.

Please speak to the City's Rangers on 9477 7224 to discuss requirements.