Being a Responsible Cat Owner
Being a Responsible Cat Owner in Darebin: What You Need to Know
If you live within the Darebin City Council and share your home with a cat, there are a few legal requirements and best practices to keep in mind. From registration to wildlife protection, knowing your responsibilities helps ensure your feline friend is safe and your neighbours, local wildlife, and the environment are respected.
What the Law Requires
Cat Curfew (7pm – 7am, all year round)
Darebin City Council introduced a night-time curfew for cats, effective 1 January 2021. Between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am every day, cats must be kept within the boundary of their property.Registration & Microchipping
All cats over three months old must be registered with Council and microchipped.
There are reduced fees for desexed cats, for pensioners, or for cats registered with certain animal organisations.Desexing
Desexing is strongly encouraged and helps reduce behaviours like roaming, fighting, or yowling. Darebin offers programs (and sometimes free services) for certain cats under community care.Cat Permits / Limits
If you want more than 2 cats, you may need a permit.Dealing with Nuisance and Trespass
Cats must not trespass on other properties without the owner’s permission. Under Victorian law (the Domestic Animals Act 1994), owners are legally responsible if their cats cause nuisance (e.g. fighting, spraying, noise) or damage.
Why the Cat Curfew Matters
The curfew isn’t just bureaucratic, it serves several purposes:
Wildlife Protection: Many native species are active at dusk/dawn or during night, and roaming cats are a major threat.
Cat Safety: Reduced risk of accidents, fights, disease, and injury when cats are kept inside or confined at night.
Neighbours & Nuisance: Less fighting, less wandering, fewer disputes about cats destroying gardens, toileting, or making noise.
How to Comply
Here are practical steps for meeting your responsibilities:
Create a space or routine so your cat is inside or safely enclosed by 7pm. Maybe an earlier meal, playing indoors, etc.
Install a cat enclosure, cat-proof fencing, or run (sometimes called a "catio") to allow outdoor access while keeping within boundaries.
Make sure the property is secure: fencing, gates, etc. prevent escape.
Keep your cat microchipped and registered; update contact details if you move.
Desex your cat to reduce roaming/nuisance behaviours and ideally save on registration fees.
What Happens if the Rules Are Broken
Cats found roaming during curfew might be impounded if unregistered or unidentifiable. Owners may need to pay release and registration fees.
There may be fines or penalties under the Cat Curfew Order if cats are not confined.
Neighbours can report nuisance or trespass; Council may get involved.
Additional Tips for a Happier Life for Cat & Owner
Use toys, safe outdoor structures, scratching posts, perches, enrichment helps reduce your cat’s urge to roam.
Put food bowls, water, sheltered spaces indoors/outdoors (but within your boundary) so the cat has incentive to stay home.
Be mindful of wildlife and plant vegetation that might attract native species, creating conflict with your cat.
Open communication with neighbours: if your cat is wandering into their yard, sometimes a friendly chat can resolve things.
