The City of Melville is continuing its efforts to protect the natural environment by promoting responsible cat ownership with Council adopting its first Cat Local Law.
The Cat Local Law is coming into effect on Saturday, 25 October and aims to balance the needs and interests of cat owners with the City’s responsibility to protect native wildlife and amenity for the community.
The purpose of the law is also for the City to have a coordinated approach in the management of cats within the City of Melville.
Key details of the Cat Local Law include:
- The introduction of cat prohibited areas at 64 reserves and parks with important flora and fauna like Tompkins Park, Goolugatup Heathcote Reserve, Alfred Cove Nature Reserve, Centennial Park.
- A $300 infringement for owners whose cats are found in a prohibited area.
- A two-cat household limit, which does not apply to fostered cats or cats that are temporarily at a household or if the cats are registered with the City before the commencement date. Residents can apply for approval to keep more than two cats if certain conditions are met, and all cats must be registered.
- Residents who had more than two cats registered at their address before the local law came into effect, don’t need to make any changes – they’ll be covered under the grandfather clause.
The adoption of the Cat Local Law at the July 2025 Ordinary Meeting of Council was preceded by two rounds of community consultation to ensure it reflects the local needs and values of the community.
The City received feedback from the community during the public engagement as part of the City’s 2022-2026 Cat Management Plan, which included investigating the introduction of a Cat Local Law to reduce cat predation on native wildlife.
For more information about cat ownership rules and management, visit
www.melvillecity.com.au/cats Comments attributed to City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair. “The City of Melville recognises that cats are much loved companions for many of our residents, enhancing their health and wellbeing,” said Mayor Katy Mair.
“Our first Cat Local Law has been created to protect the natural environment while promoting responsible cat ownership.
“We’ve undertaken two rounds of community consultation to ensure the Cat Local Law reflects the local needs of our community.
“I believe the law provides a good balance that takes into account our feline friends and their owners, alongside our responsibility as guardians to protect significant natural places and wildlife for future generations to enjoy.”