Cat curfew FAQs

A 24-hour cat curfew means that cats must be kept on their owner’s property at all times, unless they are appropriately restrained (for example, on a lead or in a secure carrier).

It does not mean that cats must be kept indoors all day. Cats can still spend time outdoors on their owner’s property, provided they are safely contained and unable to roam beyond the premises.

This covers any reasonable means of restraint, such as on a lead or in a secure carrier.

The revised cat curfew is effective immediately, but Council has adopted a six-month education and transition period to give cat owners time to prepare before any enforcement takes place.

Community consultation undertaken as part of the Domestic Animal Management Plan shows strong support for full-time cat containment. Support for a 24-hour cat curfew increased from 60 per cent of respondents in 2021 to 70 per cent in a follow up survey in 2025.

Roaming cats can impact native wildlife through predation, contribute to nuisance behaviours such as spraying and fighting and increase the spread of disease. As these impacts occur throughout the day, a time-restricted curfew is less effective.

Council also considers full-time containment to be beneficial for cat welfare, reducing risks such as vehicle strike, injury from fights, exposure to poisons and disease.

Council recognises that cat ownership can look different in rural and farming areas, where cats are often used for vermin control and may be more difficult to contain. However, adopting a 24 hour cat curfew across the whole of Mount Alexander Shire provides consistency and fairness.

A single curfew means that cat ownership responsibilities are clear and applied equally across the Shire, making the rules easier to understand, communicate and enforce.

Cat owners are responsible for ensuring their cats do not trespass onto other people’s properties. If a cat is found wandering off its owner’s premises and cannot be identified, it may be impounded, and a release fee and possible fine may apply.

There are a range of practical ways to prevent cats from leaving your property while still supporting their wellbeing. According to Animal Welfare Victoria, cats that are contained on their owner’s property can live up to three times longer than cats that are allowed to roam.

Options include keeping your cat indoors in your house or flat, or providing supervised or secure outdoor access. If your cat is kept inside overnight or for extended periods, make sure they have:

• a warm, dry sleeping area
•  a litter tray
• access to fresh water

You may also choose to buy or build a cat enclosure for your yard or install cat‑proof fencing to allow safe outdoor time while preventing roaming. Advice on enclosure and fencing options is available from Animal Welfare Victoria.

Council rangers help keep our community safe and respond to customer complaints and requests. The 24-hour cat curfew will allow for stronger enforcement by rangers to manage domestic cats when not confined to their registered owner's premises.

The first six months (April – October) will be an education and transition period. Council officers can issue warnings to educate community members. From November 2026, Council officers can issue infringements.

Contact us on 5471 1700, even after hours.

Cat owners already have a legal responsibility to ensure their cats don’t trespass onto other people’s properties, so Council considered six months to be an appropriate and reasonable transition period.

From late April, Council will support cat owners by sharing practical information and resources on how to adapt homes and routines, where needed, to comply with the 24 hour cat curfew. This includes advice on property modifications and supporting positive changes in cat behaviour.

Resources and information sessions will be promoted on this webpage and through email updates to Council’s pet owner database.

Under state law, dogs are required to be securely confined to their owner’s property.

• Unregistered cat or dog: $407
• Cat at large:
  • $92 for a first offence
  • Up to three penalty units for repeat offences (one penalty unit is $185)
• Cats that trespass: Penalties are the same as for a cat at large

Check out this growing list of resources to help to you and your pet prepare for the change, along with top tips from the RSPCA and other local Councils with cat containment in place.

• RSPCA and Zoos Victoria Safe Cat website
• RSPCA Rethink Roaming
• Animal Welfare Victoria

Catproof Fencing and Enclosures

Enclosures

• Renting? Check out this instructional video on how to build an outdoor (and moveable) cat enclosure. 

Fence Rollers

• An example of a fence roller in a townhouse courtyard setting that can be attached to your existing fenceline
• How to build a rolling pipe you can attach to your existing fenceline in your backyard

Cat-proof Fencing

• Top tips on cat-proof fencing and freestanding enclosures

Transitioning your Outdoor Cat

Pick up tips on transitioning your cat and enrichment activities to keep them active and mentally stimulated at home.

Please lodge a customer request with us. That's the quickest and easiest way to get in touch. Alternatively, call 03 5471 700 during business hours.