Cat ownership and catios in the Shire of Moyne.

No. Moyne Shire has not set a cat curfew, so there's no council rule saying your cat must be kept in overnight or confined to your property around the clock. The state rules still apply though, so a cat that wanders and becomes a nuisance can be trapped and impounded, and you're responsible for its behaviour. The easiest way to keep your cat safe and out of the neighbours' gardens is a fully enclosed cat run that keeps it on your own property.

Yes. All cats from 12 weeks of age must be registered with Moyne Shire, and they need to be microchipped before you register. Once your application is accepted you'll be posted a lifetime tag and registration number. Registrations renew every year, with a renewal notice sent out in March and payment due by 10 April. If you've moved to Moyne and your cat is already registered with another Victorian council, you still need to register here, but Moyne will transfer a valid registration across free of charge.

A microchip is required before you can register your cat, so that part isn't optional. Desexing isn't compulsory in Moyne, but it makes a real difference to the fee: a desexed cat, or a cat over 10 years old, is registered at a much lower rate than a full-fee cat. Pensioner concession holders pay less again. Fees are set by the council each year, so check the current amounts on the animal registration page.

Under Moyne's General Local Law, you can keep up to 3 cats on a lot of 2000 square metres or less, or up to 4 cats on a larger lot, without needing a permit. Land in the Farming Zone has no set number. Kittens aren't counted for the first 12 weeks after birth. If you want to keep more cats than the limit, you'll need to apply to the council for a permit.

You don't need an animal permit just to build a cat run for your own pets. A building permit is a separate question and depends on the size and height of the structure. As a general Victorian guide, a small, low enclosure often doesn't need a building permit, but larger or taller ones can, so it's worth a quick call to Moyne's building and planning team before you start. If you're in a heritage area like Port Fairy or Koroit, a planning permit may also come into play.

There can be. Building and planning rules in Victoria look at how tall a structure is and how close it sits to your boundaries, and several Moyne townships have heritage or other overlays that add requirements. Moyne's local law also asks that any animal enclosure on smaller residential blocks is kept in good order. Rather than guess at the numbers, check the specifics with the council's building and planning team for your address.

A wandering or stray cat can be trapped and impounded. Moyne lends out cat traps free of charge, and its ranger picks up trapped cats during business hours. Impounded cats from Moyne are held at the Southern Grampians pound in Hamilton, and a registered, microchipped cat is far easier and quicker to reunite with its owner. Keeping your cat in a secure cat enclosure avoids the whole problem.

If you rent, you can build a cat enclosure with your landlord's or agent's permission, and a freestanding or lightweight run that doesn't damage the property is usually the easiest to get across the line. For a unit or apartment, an owners corporation may have a say on anything fixed to the building or in shared space, so check your agreement first. We can design a cat run to suit a rental or a smaller space, including options you can take with you when you move.

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 Shire of Moyne. 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 Shire of Moyne 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.