Keeping cats and building catios in the Rural City of Mildura.

The Rural City of Mildura doesn't run a set cat curfew, so there aren't fixed hours when your cat has to be inside. Even so, the council asks that all cats be kept securely confined to your own property, and under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 a cat that strays onto someone else's land without permission can be trapped and impounded. A fully enclosed cat run is the easy way to meet that expectation, giving your cat fresh air and a view while keeping it safely on your block day and night. If you're unsure how the rules apply to you, it's worth a quick check with the council.

Yes. Across Victoria cats must be registered with the local council once they're over three months old, and Mildura registrations are renewed every year, with renewals due on 10 April. Your cat needs to be microchipped before you can register it. Fees apply and are set by the council each year, so check the current amount on the council's pet registration page.

Your cat has to be microchipped before the council will register it, so that one is a firm requirement statewide. Desexing isn't compulsory in Mildura, but desexed cats pay a lower yearly registration fee and it's strongly encouraged to cut down on unwanted litters and roaming. If you hold a pension or concession card you'll usually pay less again. Check the council's page for the current fees and any conditions.

Under the council's Local Law Number 2 you can keep up to two cats at a property without needing a permit. To keep more than two cats you'll need a permit from the council. The same idea applies to dogs, with two allowed before a permit is required. If you're planning a home with several cats, contact the council to sort the permit first.

The cat enclosure itself doesn't need a special animal permit from the council. What can come into play is the building or planning side, depending on how big and tall the structure is, where it sits on your block, and any overlays on your land. As a rough Victorian guide, small, low structures often sit under the permit threshold, but that's not a guarantee for every property. The safest move is a quick call to the council's building team before you start.

There's no cat-specific height or boundary rule, but the normal building and planning rules for a small outdoor structure still apply. Things like overall height, floor area and how close the enclosure sits to a boundary can decide whether a permit is needed, and some properties carry planning overlays that add extra conditions. Because those thresholds vary, it's best to confirm the numbers for your address with the council rather than assume. We design cat runs to suit your yard and can work around setback and height limits once you know them.

If your cat is picked up wandering it can be trapped and impounded. An identified cat that is microchipped and registered means the council can contact you, and it will be held for eight days for you to reclaim, with impound and offence fees applying. Unidentified cats are also held for eight days and, if unclaimed, may be rehomed. That's a strong reason to keep your cat contained and its microchip details up to date, and a secure cat enclosure keeps it off the street in the first place.

You can, but check with your landlord or owners corporation first, since a build usually needs the property owner's permission and any body corporate rules have to be followed. Plenty of our cat runs are freestanding or lightweight designs that suit rentals and can come with you when you move. For a unit or apartment, a balcony or window enclosure is often the go. Get the owner's sign-off, then we'll tailor something that fits your space and keeps your cat safe.

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 Mildura. 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 Mildura 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.