Cat rules and catios in the City of Hume.

As things stand, Hume has no cat curfew or containment order, so there's no set time your cat has to be kept inside. That said, the council's new Domestic Animal Management Plan commits it to developing and presenting a proposal for a municipal cat curfew in 2026, and most residents surveyed backed one, so a rule could come in down the track. In the meantime the council asks owners to keep cats confined to their property and inside at night. A fully enclosed cat run is a simple way to stay ahead of it, keeping your cat safely on your own property day and night. Check with the council for the latest position.

Yes. Cats over three months of age must be microchipped and registered with Hume City Council. Registration renews every year and is due by 10 April. Desexed cats pay a much lower fee, and there are further discounts for pension concession and eligible DVA card holders, so it's worth asking what you qualify for. Fees change each financial year, so check the council's current fee list.

Your cat must be microchipped before you can register it with the council. Desexing isn't compulsory under the state rules, but desexed cats pay a lower registration fee, so most owners do it. Hume's free desexing program with Lort Smith, Little Paws of the North, has now closed, so the council suggests talking to your local vet about desexing.

Without a permit Hume allows 1 cat in a flat, unit or townhouse, 2 cats on a house block under 4,000 square metres, 3 cats on 4,000 to 10,000 square metres and 4 cats on anything bigger. To keep more you need a Multiple Animal Permit from the council, which has an application fee and may involve a property inspection and a check with your neighbours.

A cat enclosure on its own doesn't need an animal permit. What can apply is a building permit, which is generally triggered by the size, height or where the structure sits on your block. As a rough guide, small freestanding structures under about 10 square metres of floor area and under 3 metres high often don't need one, but that isn't guaranteed. Check with the council's building team before you start.

Yes, the same building rules that apply to sheds and similar structures apply to a cat run. Height, floor area and how far the structure sits from your boundaries all matter, and things like heritage or environmental overlays can change what's allowed. A build that stays small, low and set back from the fence line is least likely to need a permit. Check with the council for the setbacks that apply to your property.

A cat found off your property can be picked up by the council and taken to the pound. If it's registered and microchipped you'll be contacted to collect it, usually after paying a release or impound fee. Hume impounds a large number of cats each year, so a registered, contained cat is far less likely to end up lost. A cat run keeps yours safely at home in the first place.

You can, but get your landlord's or owners corporation's written permission first, since you're adding a structure to a property you don't own. Freestanding or lightweight designs that don't need major fixing are usually easiest to get signed off, and they can come with you when you move. For a balcony or courtyard, a smaller enclosure often does the trick. Check with the council if you're unsure whether your build needs a permit.

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 City of Hume. 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 City of Hume 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.