Escape-proof cat runs in Research.
Custom cat runs and catios for Research, designed around your block and built by Carl, a carpenter based here in Nillumbik. Below are the cat rules that apply in Research, and the local things worth checking first.
The cat rules in Research.
Research is in the Shire of Nillumbik, so these are the rules that apply here. They're a starting point, and the final word rests with the council.
- Cat containment
- 24/7 confinement order in force. Your cat must stay on your property at all times unless securely confined. Started 30 September 2025, with an education-focused transition to October 2027.
- Registration
- Cats 3 months and older must be registered. The year runs 10 April to 9 April. Cat fee is $64.20, or $32.10 concession (as at 1 July 2026).
- Desexing
- All cats must be desexed and microchipped before council will register them. Exemptions are limited, mainly registered breeders.
- Cats per property
- Up to two cats (3 months or older) without a permit. More than two needs a council permit.
- Enclosure permit
- No animal permit needed, and council encourages enclosures. Usually no building permit under about 10 sq m and 3 m high, but green wedge overlays can trigger a planning permit. Check with council.
Council rules last reviewed October 2026. Local notes last reviewed September 2026.
What to know before you build in Research.
Research is semi-rural, with acreage blocks of roughly 1 to 35 acres under dense eucalypt cover. Bigger bush blocks suit a walk-in enclosure or a larger run close to the house, built to sit in among the trees.
Nearly all of Research is a designated Bushfire Prone Area and much of it is also under the Bushfire Management Overlay. Most land is in the Rural Conservation Zone, and parts carry the Environmental Significance Overlay for sites of faunal and habitat significance as well as Significant Landscape Overlays, so a new outbuilding may need a planning permit. You can look up the overlays on your own block for free on VicPlan (opens in a new tab).
Cat enclosures in Research, answered.
The things Research locals ask us before they build.
This information is not professional or legal advice, it's research we've collated to help you get started. Council rules change, so always check the current details with the Shire of Nillumbik (opens in a new tab) before you build. If any information here is wrong or out of date, please contact us so we can update it. We don't guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.
Do you build cat enclosures in Research?
Yes. Carl is based in the Shire of Nillumbik, so Research is local work for us rather than a long drive. Build a quote online, or get in touch and we'll book a free site visit.
Which council's cat rules apply in Research?
Research is in the Shire of Nillumbik, so its rules apply. The key points are above, and there's more detail in our Nillumbik council guide.
Do I need a permit for a cat enclosure in Research?
No animal permit needed, and council encourages enclosures. Usually no building permit under about 10 sq m and 3 m high, but green wedge overlays can trigger a planning permit. Check with council. It's also worth looking up your block on VicPlan (opens in a new tab), the state's free planning map, since overlays can change what needs a permit. We design around whatever applies.
How much does a cat enclosure cost in Research?
Every enclosure is built to fit the property, so there's no set price list. We come out to Research, measure up and give you a free written quote before any work starts. Here's how pricing works.
Enclosures to suit Research homes.
From a small window catio to netting over the whole backyard, here's what we build in Research and the suburbs around it.
Planning a cat enclosure in Research?
Tell us about your cats and your space. We'll be in touch to book a free site visit in Research, and can talk through what your council expects.
After a free quote? The quote builder gets you a sharper answer, faster. For anything else, use the form below and we'll get back to you.
