Night curfew rules across the City of Kingston.

Yes. Kingston runs a night-time cat curfew, so your cat has to be securely confined to your property between sunset and sunrise. There's no all-day rule, but during those hours your cat can't be out roaming the street. A fully enclosed cat run is one of the ways the council itself suggests for keeping a cat safely on your property, so it stays put whatever the hour.

Yes. State law and the council require every cat to be registered from three months of age, and registrations are renewed by 10 April each year. You can register through Kingston's animal registration portal or by contacting the council. Fees are set each year, so check the council's current schedule for the amount.

Every cat registration in Kingston needs proof of microchipping, so have your cat chipped before you register it. Desexing isn't strictly forced, but desexed cats pay a lower registration fee, and if your cat isn't desexed the council asks for a vet exemption letter. Pensioners and concession-card holders also pay less, so check the council for the current fees and forms.

On most suburban blocks you can keep up to two cats without a permit. Larger properties over 4000 square metres can keep up to four. If you want more than your property's limit, you apply to the council for an excess animal permit.

The enclosure itself doesn't need an animal permit, as a cat run is simply a way of keeping your cat contained. What can apply is a building permit, which depends on the size and height of the structure and where it sits on your block. As a rough guide, small, low enclosures often sit under the building-permit threshold, but it's worth a quick check with Kingston's building services before you start.

There can be, and they come from Victoria's building and planning rules rather than the cat laws. Things like how tall the structure is, how close it sits to a fence or boundary, and any overlays on your property can all matter. We build to keep enclosures within the usual limits, but if yours is large or right on a boundary, confirm the setback and height rules with the council first.

If your cat is picked up away from your property, especially during the sunset-to-sunrise curfew, the council can impound it and you may pay release fees or a fine to get it back. A registered, microchipped cat is much easier for the council to reunite with you quickly. Keeping your cat contained, with a cat run or a cat-proof yard, avoids the whole situation.

Yes, though if you rent you'll want your landlord or agent's okay first, and freestanding or wall-mounted designs that don't damage the building are the easiest to get signed off. For apartments and units, a balcony or courtyard enclosure can work, but check your owners corporation rules as well. We can tailor a cat enclosure to fit a small yard, courtyard or balcony.

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 Kingston. 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 Kingston 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.