Nuisance cats
Roaming cats
Unlike dogs, cats are permitted to roam.
It is not unlawful for a cat to enter private property or roam public places.
If you are bothered by a roaming cat, make contact with the owner and politely express your concerns.
You may also consider attaching a paper collar displaying your contact details and a polite message asking the owner to contact you. Ensure that the collar is able to tear off easily if it becomes caught on a fence or tree branch. Download AWL's paper collar template here.
Nuisance cats
Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, Council can issue a Nuisance Cat Order if satisfied a cat:
- makes a noise that persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises; or
- repeatedly damages anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept.
If you wish to report a nuisance cat, please use Council's customer request management system. Council may request that you make a formal statement to support your claim and provide relevant details.
Report a nuisance cat