Registering cats

As a cat owner, you must register your cat with the City of Vincent. Once your cat is registered, you must make sure that your cat wears a collar and its registration tag at all times whenever in a public place. To be a cat owner you must be over 18 years of age (to take legal responsibility).

All cats six months of age and over must be registered with Vincent and existing registrations must be renewed by 31 October each year. If being registered for the first time, cats must be microchipped and sterilised prior to registration.

There are three types of registration available (note that pension card holders will pay 50% of the below):

• 1 year: $20
• 3 year: $42.50
• Lifetime: $100

You can download the Cat Registration Form here – or feel free to contact us and we will post a form to you. Email us at: mail@vincent.wa.gov.au or call us on 9273 6000. You will need to supply proof or sterilisation and microchipping at the time of registration.

Your cat's Vincent registration tag should be attached to an elasticised collar or safety collar that breaks away if he/she gets caught on something. The collar should be firmly fitted - you should only be able to fit two fingers comfortably between your cat's collar and its neck. It is a good idea to place a bell on the collar to alert any animal that your cat may try to stalk and catch.

Microchipping

A microchip helps to identify your cat, even if their collar or registrations tag has come off. Cats can be microchipped at your local vet.

The benefits are:

• the insertion of the chip, under the skin is a quick and virtually painless procedure
• the microchip cannot fall out
• the microchip will remain “active” for the life of the animal
• the procedure only takes a few seconds
• your pet can be identified immediately, if it is found

Registration renewals

Registration renewals can be paid the following ways;

• Online by completing the form here 
• By telephone by calling our cashier on 9273 6000 
• In person at the Administration & Civic Centre, 244 Vincent Street, Leederville or My Best Friend Veterinary Centre, 3/106 Oxford Street, Leederville
• By mail by either filling in the credit authorisation form or by submitting a cheque/money order made payable to the City of Vincent

Transferring of cats between councils

As Cat registrations are recognised Statewide, when moving between Councils, the requirement is to contact the Council where the cat is currently registered and advise them of the change of address.

If you are moving into the City of Vincent and your cat is already currently registered with another Council, you will need to complete the 'Dog/Cat transfer of council form' below. Once the form is completed we will confirm the details with the original Council and then send out a City of Vincent registration tag. There are no fees associated with transferring Councils.

Please note: A microchip number is required to transfer your cat's registration to the City.

Dog/Cat transfer of council form

Transferring ownership for cats

If you sell your cat or give your cat to another person, you will need to complete the 'Dog/Cat transfer of ownership form' below, so we can update your cat's records. There are no fees associated with transferring ownership.

Dog/Cat transfer of ownership form

Nuisance Cats

It is not illegal for cats to stray onto private property under current state legislation and City of Vincent local laws.

If you are experiencing issues with cats coming onto your property, the City recommends that, if you know where the cat is from, you contact the cat's owner and let them know of your concerns.

You can also apply deterrent measures to try to discourage the cat from entering your property. You may need to give the deterrent measures a few weeks to take effect.

Cat Deterrent Measures

Trapping

If after speaking to your neighbour or having tried the above deterrents, the cat is still causing a nuisance, the City may be able to assist through the provision of a cat trap.

For further information regarding nuisance cats or cat traps, please contact Ranger Services via:

Email: mail@vincent.wa.gov.au

Phone: 9273 6000

Disclaimer: Residents must be mindful that any action taken to deliberately injure or harm a cat is not acceptable and is in offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

My cat is really old, and I don't want to stress him/her out by having him/her sterilised/micro chipped now.
The City will require documentation from your vet advising that surgery would have an effect on your cat's health. Please note, a statutory declaration is not sufficient. See point 14.2 of the Cat Act which is downloadable at the link further below.

How many cats can I have?
A maximum of 3 cats over the age of 3 months. An owner or occupier of premises may apply in writing to the Council for exemption; for full details and conditions, simply contact Ranger Services (details below).

What if I want to Breed my cats?
You will require a permit from the City of Vincent and be a member of the Cat Owners Association WA, Feline Control Council of WA or Australian National Cats.

The Department of Local Government has added some other Frequently Asked Questions on the cat legislation to their website. For more information please visit this page.