The 24/7 cat rules across the Rural City of Benalla.

Yes. Benalla has a full cat containment rule, so it's stronger than a night-only curfew: since February 2022 every cat must be securely confined to its owner's property at all times, day and night. The rule applies right across the municipality and is there to protect native wildlife and keep the peace with neighbours. A fully enclosed cat run is one of the simplest ways to meet it, since it keeps your cat safely on your block around the clock while it still gets fresh air and sunshine.

Yes. Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 every cat over three months old must be registered with the council in the area where it's kept, even if it lives indoors. Registration is renewed each year and falls due on 10 April. You can register online through the council's customer portal or by giving the council a call.

Your cat must be microchipped before it can be registered, as the two go together. Desexing isn't compulsory, but desexed cats attract a lower registration fee, and concession card holders can also claim a discount. You'll need to show proof of desexing or your concession details to get the reduced rate, so check the current fees with the council.

On a residential property you can keep up to two cats without an excess animal permit. If you'd like to keep more than that, you'll need to apply to the council for an excess animal permit. Different rules can apply on rural or larger blocks, so it's worth confirming your situation with the council before you commit.

The cat enclosure itself doesn't need an animal permit from the council. What can come into play is a building permit, and that depends on the size and height of the structure rather than the fact it's for a cat. As a rough guide across Victoria a small, low enclosure often sits under the threshold, but it's best to check with the council's building team before you start.

In Victoria a freestanding enclosure is generally exempt from a building permit when it's under about 10 square metres in floor area and no more than around 3 metres high, though those figures are a guide rather than a guarantee. Setbacks from the boundary, plus any heritage or bushfire overlay on your block, can change what's allowed. We design each cat run to sit within those limits where we can, and we'll always suggest you confirm the specifics with the council for your address.

Because cats must stay on your property at all times, a wandering cat can be picked up and impounded, and you may cop a fine or release fees to get it back. If your cat is registered and microchipped, staff can identify it and get it home to you quickly. Keeping it in a secure enclosure avoids the stress and cost of impoundment altogether.

Yes, you've just got a couple of extra people to keep onside. If you rent, get your landlord or agent's written okay first, and a freestanding cat run that doesn't need fixing to the building is usually the easiest sell. In a unit or apartment with an owners corporation you'll likely need their sign-off for anything on shared areas. We can build to suit tight courtyards, balconies and small yards, so renting or apartment living needn't rule out a proper cat enclosure.

A fully enclosed catio keeps your cat safely on your property, which is exactly what containment rules ask for, while still giving them fresh air and the sounds and smells of outside. We build a range of escape-proof enclosures, from a discreet patio catio to a side run or netting over the whole backyard, so there's an option to suit your home. Build a quote to get started.

Yes, we build custom catios right across greater Melbourne, including the Rural City of Benalla. If you're not sure you're in range, get in touch and we'll let you know.

Always confirm the current rules with the council directly via the Rural City of Benalla website (opens in a new tab). The guide above is research we've collated to help you get started, not legal advice, see the note at the foot of this page.