Cat Registration and Owner Responsibilities

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
  4. Keeping your cat contained to your property, especially at night, to reduce wildlife impacts and the risk of it being trapped in prohibited areas. 
• Cats that roam may be classified as a nuisance and legally trapped by property owners (using live-catch humane cage traps). Trapped cats must be handed over to the City for them to be assessed and identified. 

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 documents 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.

All cat registrations expire on 31 October each year. You can renew your pet’s registration using the methods listed on your renewal notice (renew online, by post, or in person).

Renew your cat's registration online

You can renew your cat's registration online using the button below and then clicking onto 'Portal Home'. Just remember that you need your renewal notice, which includes your payment reference, before taking this step:

Renew animal registration

Haven’t received your notice?

If you’re still waiting on your renewal notice and it’s almost October, please email the City's rangers by email.

Opt in to receive your cat's renewal notices by email

The best way to get your renewal notice is by email:

Receive registration renewals by email

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

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. 

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.

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:
   • Email: rangers@kwinana.wa.gov.au
   • In person: Administration Building, Corner Gilmore Avenue and Sulphur Road

Please Note: 

• The registration can only be transferred to the same owner listed on the existing registration.
• Any outstanding registration will be honoured and transferred to the City of Kwinana once forms are complete and verified with previous City/Shire.

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:
   • Email: customer@kwinana.wa.gov.au
   • In person: Administration Building, Corner Gilmore Avenue and Sulphur Road

4. Await Confirmation. The City will review your application. Once approved, the cat’s ownership records will be updated, and you’ll receive confirmation.

• Place the trap on a flat, stable surface
• Position it in a shaded, quiet location
• Use a small amount of bait such as canned fish or cat food

• Check the trap regularly
• Do not leave a trapped animal unattended for extended periods
• Do not leave traps set overnight unless you can monitor them
• Do not trap during extreme heat, heavy rain or severe weather

To reduce the risk of trapping native wildlife:

• Avoid placing traps near bushland, wetlands or known wildlife corridors
• Use cat-specific bait
• Monitor traps regularly
• Remove the trap immediately if non-target wildlife is captured

If native wildlife is trapped, release it immediately if safe to do so.

Do not:

• relocate the cat
• release it elsewhere
• leave it in the trap for extended periods

Instead, contact the City Rangers on 08 9439 0200

Please provide:

• your name and contact number
• your address
• the location of the trapped cat
• whether the cat appears injured or distressed

A Ranger will arrange collection as soon as operationally possible.

Once collected:

• cats that appear owned or semi-domestic may be taken to the City’s holding facility
• cats assessed as feral may be managed in accordance with relevant legislation and animal welfare requirements

If cats are causing a nuisance on your property (e.g., fighting, spraying, damaging gardens, or preying on wildlife):

• Contact Ranger Services on 9439 0200 or use our online reporting form.
• Provide details: location, frequency, and photos if safe.
• We will investigate and may deploy Rangers or approve trap hire.

Note: Only authorised persons (appointed by local government) may trap cats in public areas. Residents must not trap cats on public land.

Before or alongside trapping, try these non-harmful methods:

• Remove food sources (don’t leave pet food outside).
• Use commercial cat deterrents (motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic devices, or plant-based repellents from nurseries).
• Secure bins and compost.
• Speak politely to the cat’s owner if you know who they are (or ask Rangers to follow up).

(follow these to ensure animal welfare and compliance):

• Pre-bait: Feed the target cat in the trap location for several days beforehand so it becomes comfortable entering.
• Set at night only: Cats are most active then; avoid daytime setting in hot weather.
• Position safely: Place on stable, level ground under shelter (out of direct sun, rain, and public view). Follow trap instructions exactly.
• Cover the trap: Place a towel or sheet over the back half when setting. As soon as a cat enters, cover the entire trap completely to reduce stress and trauma.
• Monitor closely: Check the trap frequently (or immediately upon notification). Do not leave a cat trapped for long periods.
• Contact us immediately: Call Ranger Services as soon as a cat is caught — we will collect and transport it.
• Extreme weather: Never set traps in very hot or wet conditions. Trapping at night is recommended.

Important: Traps are for feral or nuisance cats only. Identified domestic cats will be returned to owners. Mistreatment is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

Standard practice is that the cat would be scanned for its microchip and impounded.  This will enable the cat to be returned to its owner.  If your cat is trapped in a Cat Prohibited Area you may be issued with an infringement notice. The best way to ensure your cat makes its way back to you is that you be a responsible cat owner and ensure your cat is registered, microchipped and displaying a collar and tag.

1. Rangers collect the cat and transport it to our Animal Management Facility.
2. All cats are scanned for microchips and checked for tags/collars.
3. Domestic cats: Returned to owners (you will be contacted if your cat is registered).
4. Unidentified/feral cats: Assessed for rehoming potential.
5. Unclaimed cats may be offered for adoption through local rescue groups