Registration
Compulsory cat registration is being introduced in the ACT. Find out more about cat registration.
Identification
Cats must wear identification so that they can be returned to their owner if found. Cats can be identified by a collar and tag that includes the owner's contact number or address.
Microchipping
All cats in the ACT must be microchipped. Microchipping is an effective way for animal shelters and vets to identify lost dogs and cats for quick return to their owners.
Microchipping is a safe procedure where a silicon chip, approximately the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin of the animal. The procedure takes less than a minute and, once inserted, the chip cannot be lost. A dog or cat of any age can be microchipped. Few animals show any signs of discomfort during this simple and quick procedure. Cats can be microchipped by your veterinarian, Domestic Animal Services (located on Mugga Lane, Symonston) or the RSPCA. If you wish to get your pet microchipped by Domestic Animal Services, please call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 and select option 3 to schedule an appointment.
If you move house you should update both your pet's registration and microchip records. To update your details for your cat's microchip, please visit Pet address.
Desexing
Desexing your cat is essential in the ACT to reduce the number of neglected and abandoned cats. Owning a sexually entire cat is irresponsible and is a strict liability offence under the Domestic Animals Act 2000.
Your cat must be desexed unless:
- the cat is less than three months old
- the cat was born before 21 June 2001
- the keeper of the cat holds a sexually entire permit issued by the Registrar of Domestic Animal Services.
Infringement notices can be issued for owning a sexually entire cat without meeting one of the above exceptions.
The veterinary practitioner must mark the ear of the cat with a tattoo when they are desexed, unless the vet recommends not tattooing for medical reasons.
Sexually entire permits
A permit to keep a cat sexually entire can be obtained from Domestic Animal Services if the Registrar is satisfied that:
- the animal is kept for breeding or used, bred or bought for show
- it would be detrimental to the health of the animal if it were to be de-sexed.
To keep a cat that has not been desexed you must apply to keep a cat sexually entire (PDF 175KB). Fees apply.
Cat containment
Cat containment has been extended across the ACT for cats born on or after 1 July 2022. Containment means keeping your cat on your premises 24 hours a day. This can include your house or apartment, an enclosed area in a backyard or courtyard, or a cat crate.
Cats born before 1 July 2022 do not have to be contained, unless they live in one of the 17 currently declared cat containment suburbs.
Find out more information on cat containment.
Keeping four or more cats
Persons wishing to keep four or more cats must make an application under Section 84B of the Domestic Animals Act 2000. Application forms can be obtained from Domestic Animal Services. A fee for a multiple cats licence is payable if the licence is granted.
Application for a licence to keep four or more cats (PDF 88KB).
For more information view the Responsible cat ownership factsheet (PDF 328KB).
Advertising cats for sale
Make sure you follow the advertising requirements for selling or rehoming cats in the ACT. For more information see Advertising cats and dogs for sale.
