Cat Registration and Owner Responsibilities

Cat Registration and Owner Responsibilities

This page explains how to register your cat, your responsibilities as a cat owner, and what happens if you do not comply with local cat laws.

Cat Owner Responsibilities

Owning a cat is a rewarding experience, but it comes with important responsibilities. To keep your cat safe and healthy, ensure it has clean water, a secure yard, regular vet check-ups, and daily exercise. As a cat owner, you must follow the rules to keep your cat and the community safe.

Microchipping and registration
  • Microchipping and registration is required for all cats over six months.
  • All cats must be microchipped before they can be registered.
  • Microchipping can be carried out by your local vet. A cat may be exempt from microchipping if a vet issues a certificate stating that implanting a microchip may adversely affect the health or welfare of that cat. The City requires the microchip number when registering.
  • During the registration process, the City will require proof of microchip and microchip number to record against cat registration details to ensure the City is able to identify and contact the cat owner.
Identification
  • Your cat must wear a collar and registration tag when in public.
  • It is also recommended the collar should also display your name and addressfor quick identification.
Cat behaviour and roaming rules
  • Cats must not roam freely onto private property without the owner's permission.
  • To keep your cat safe and protect local wildlife, the City recommends:
    1. Installing a secure outdoor enclosure (catio)
    2. Using netting or roller bars along fences
    3. Providing indoor enrichment such as toys and scratch posts
  • Cats that roam may be classified as a nuisance and legally trapped by property owners (using RSPCA-approved traps). Trapped cats must be handed over to the City.

Cat Registration and Renewals

All cats over the age of six months must be microchipped and registered with the City of Kwinana. Registration must be renewed by 31 October each year.

Register your cat (first time)

To register your cat:

  1. Download and complete the Cat Registration Form.
  2. Prepare the required documents:
    • Proof of microchipping
    • Proof of sterilisation
    • Concession card (if applicable)
    • Payment (see fees below)
  3. Submit your Cat Registration Form and documents:
    • Online  (Attach all docuements at the attachment folder) or
    • In person at the Administration Building or
    • By post to PO Box 21, Kwinana WA 6966

Please Note: Owners registering new cats after 31 May may receive a discounted rate for that year.

Renew your cat registration

All cat registrations expire on 31 October each year. Renewal notices are sent before expiry. You can renew your registration using the methods listed on your renewal notice (renew online, by post, or in person).

Renew your cat’s registration with the City of Kwinana online using the button below.

Renew animal registration

To receive your renewal notices by email instead of post, register below or contact the Rangers Team.

Receive registration renewals by email

Cat registration fees

Fees depend on whether your cat is sterilised and whether you are eligible for a concession.

Duration

Standard Fee

Pensioner Discount (50%)

1 Year

$20

$10

3 Years

$42.50

$21.25

Lifetime

$100

$50

Please Note:

  • Discounts apply for holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, State Concession Card, Veterans Card, or a Commonwealth Seniors Card (with a Seniors Card).
  • Additional discounts apply for new cats registered after 31 May. 

Update Details or Transfer Cat Registration

Update cat registration details

Let the City know if:

  • You move house or change contact details
  • Your cat is no longer in your care
  • Your cat has passed away
  • You need a replacement certificate.

Contact the City by visiting the Administration Office or email customer@kwinana.wa.gov.au.

Transfer your cat’s registration

If you’ve moved from another local government in WA and your cat’s registration is current, you can transfer it to the City of Kwinana free of charge.

To transfer:

  1. Notify your previous council.
  2. Confirm the registration is valid.
  3. Complete the Cat Registration Form (PDF).
  4. Provide:
    • A copy of the current registration certificate
    • Proof of microchipping and sterilisation
    • Concession card (if applicable)
  5. Submit your application:

Please Note: 

  • The registration can only be transferred to the same owner listed on the existing registration.
  • Any outstanding registration will be honoured and transfered to the City of Kwinana once forms are complete and verified with previous City/Shire.
Transfer Cat Ownership
  1. Get the Current Registration and Microchip Details. Ask the previous owner for the cat’s registration details and microchip number.
  2. Fill in the Transfer of Animal Ownership Form. Complete the Transfer of Animal Ownership Form and ensure it is signed by both the previous owner and the new owner.
  3. Submit the Completed Form. Send the form and documents to the City of Kwinana:
  4. Await Confirmation. The City will review your application. Once approved, the cat’s ownership records will be updated, and you’ll receive confirmation.

Keeping more than two cats

You must get written approval to keep more than two cats per property (excluding kittens under six months).
To apply:

  1. Request a form by calling (08) 9439 0200 or emailing customer@kwinana.wa.gov.au.
  2. Submit the completed form to the City’s Administration Building with:
    • Application fee (non-refundable)
    • Landlord consent (if renting)
  3. A neighbour consultation and property inspection may be required.

Impounded Cats and Compliance

Cats that repeatedly enter private property without permission can be trapped by the property owner using an RSPCA-approved trap. Trapped cats must be handed over to the City. A cat is impounded when it is picked up by a Ranger and taken to a holding facility because it was found wandering or causing a nuisance.
If your cat is impounded:

  • A Ranger will check for microchipping, sterilisation, and registration.
  • You must comply with these requirements before your cat can be released.
  • If your cat was roaming, fines or infringement notices may apply under the Cat Act 2011 and Cat Local Law 2022.

Fines and Penalties

If impounded, Rangers will check if the cat is registered, microchipped and sterilised. Owners must meet these requirements before the cat is returned and may face penalties, including:

  • $200 fine for unregistered cats
  • Fines for no microchip or ID tag
  • Penalties for roaming or nuisance behaviour
  • Costs for impoundment and enforcement

Contact Rangers Services

For help with cat registration, understanding your responsibilities as a cat owner or a cat complaint, including issues with roaming cats on private property, call Ranger Services on (08) 9439 0200 or email rangers@kwinana.wa.gov.au.

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