Information for Cat Owners

City of Darwin Council has an animal education team that work with the community to care for their pets. If there is a wandering cat in your area our education team can conduct a letterbox drop with informative cat ownership flyers.

If you are a cat owner and would like information about caring for your cat you can contact us on the pet care helpline (08) 8930 0606.

Targeted Cat Trapping Program

City of Darwin Council now have a targeted cat trapping program for problem areas with multiple wandering cats.

If you have a problem with multiple roaming cats in your area we encourage you to contact City of Darwin on (08) 8930 0600.

The program is run by engaging with residents in the area and requesting that they host a cat trap, as cats are trapped our rangers will come to collect the cats and take them to City of Darwin’s Animal Pound.

City of Darwin is currently seeking support from residents to host cat traps. Register your interest here.

Cat Traps

Cat traps are available to Darwin residents for the primary purpose of trapping stray or feral cats.

Borrowing Cat Traps

If you would like to borrow a Council cat trap for use on your property, please call City of Darwin's Regulatory Services team on (08) 8947 2099 to arrange for a ranger to get in contact and manage the request for a trap. A Cat Trap Loan Form will need to be completed.

We hire out cat traps at no charge but should the trap be returned in a damaged condition or not returned at all, you will be charged $70.00 to cover costs.

Please note: that at times of high demand for this service, there may be a waiting list.

Trapped cats must be delivered to the City of Darwin Animal Pound, located at Boulter Road Berrimah.

Neighbourhood Cats

Cats are usually well loved members of a family. However, even a pet cat that is well fed and looked after may still roam and hunt. This means that you may often see your neighbour's cat in your yard.

If you are having problems with a neighbour's cat wandering into your yard, we recommend that you discuss the matter with them first. Where you cannot get in contact or are unable to discuss this with them, please contact us for advice on 08 8930 0606.

Complaints

We have well-established processes designed to resolve issues in a manner that takes into account the needs, rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.

Cat Containment Policy

Under section 3.6.5 of City of Darwin’s Animal Management Policy:

Containment of a Cat

Cats must be contained within the property boundary of the premises where the cat is usually kept, unless the cat is under effective control. A cat is under effective control, outside the property boundary, if it is restrained by a suitable leash.

If a cat is not contained within the property boundary, and is not under effective control, then, pursuant to By-Law 67 of the Animal Management By-laws, the owner commits an offence.

Cat containment promotes responsible pet ownership by supporting cat health and reducing the negative impacts of domestic cats on the natural environment. Cat containment is of particular importance in areas identified as ecologically significant.

Council will promote awareness regarding the requirement for cat containment through education campaigns and providing information for owners during the cat registration process.