All cat owners have a responsibility to their cat, their community and the environment.

Responsibly cared for cats are happy and safe, make good neighbours and don’t threaten wildlife.

• By law, cats must be microchipped and registered. Keeping registration details up-to-date is important in case your cat is ever lost as it enables you to be reunited with your cat. You may also wish to put a collar and tag on your cat so it is obvious that the cat is an owned cat. Click here for more information
• Cats can be desexed from as young as eight weeks of age and unless you are a registered breeder, you should desex your cat. Feline overpopulation is a significant problem that leads to tens of thousands of cats being killed in NSW every year. There are health and behaviour benefits for desexed cats, and registration is significantly discounted. For more information, click here
• At a minimum, cats should be curfewed from dusk to dawn (this is the time wildlife is most at risk from cats hunting, and cats are most at risk from injury and death from cars and fights with other cats). You can be a good neighbour by installing cat-proof fencing or a cat enclosure. The State Government of Victoria has produced comprehensive DIY instructions, click here to download the free guide. To read more about protecting wildlife, click here to read the WIRES brochure on keeping cats happy and wildlife safe
• Cats can and do live happily indoors; click here for more information
• Ensure your cat is well-cared for – this includes a nutritionally complete and balanced diet; fresh water at all times; regular grooming and treatment to prevent fleas and worms; annual vet health checks and treatment as needed; an appropriate vaccination schedule; play time and pats; boarding or a pet-sitter when you are away; and contingency plans for emergencies. Refer to our cat care fact sheet for basic information and specific fact sheets for more detailed information

Sharing your life with a feline friend is a great privilege but please remember that not everyone appreciates cats and it is important to be a considerate neighbour. Also, incidents of brutality and cruelty to cats are tragically frequent. You can protect your cat, be a good neighbour and care for the environment by keeping your cat safely inside your house or securely on your property.

Cruelty to animals is illegal. Report cruelty to your local police or the NSW RSPCA on 02 9770 755 or www.rspcansw.org.au or the NSW Animal Welfare League on 1300 WELFARE (1300 935 3273).

Please note that Cat Protection does not have investigation and prosecution powers under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.