Cat curfew

Keeping cats safely contained:

• improves cat health and safety by reducing the risk of injury, disease and getting lost
• helps protect local wildlife, particularly native birds and other animals most active at night
• reduces nuisance and roaming impacts on neighbours

Cats adjust best with routine. Small changes, introduced gradually, can make a big difference.

Adjust feeding routines

• Bring your cat indoors before dark and feed their evening meal inside.
• Keep your cat indoors overnight and offer breakfast before letting them out again.
• Avoid leaving food outside overnight.

Supporting your cat through change

• Some cats may be unsettled for a week or two.
• It’s okay to limit access to part of the house at night while they adjust. This is safe and helps your cat learn that nights are for sleeping or playing quietly alone.

Make nights comfortable

• Ensure access to litter, fresh water and quiet sleeping areas.
• Offer a few special toys for night-time use.
• Automatic feeders can help prevent early‑morning wake‑ups.

Night‑time enrichment indoors

Cats are naturally active in the evening. Enrichment can help them settle:

• Use puzzle feeders or treat toys,
• rotate safe toys to prevent boredom,
• follow a simple routine: play, feed, then rest, and
• provide cosy beds, scratching posts, or window perches.

Catios and cat runs

Catios and cat runs allow cats to enjoy fresh air and outdoor sights safely. These enclosed spaces:

• protect cats from cars, other animals and getting lost
• reduce impacts on wildlife
• support your cat’s wellbeing through stimulation and exercise

They can be small or custom‑built and enhanced with shelves, scratching posts and resting areas.

Why do we have a cat curfew?

Keeping your cat safely contained helps reduce the risk of your cat:

• being injured
• becoming sick or getting lost
• causing nuisance issues in the neighbourhood
• harming local wildlife

Containing your cat also helps protect our local flora and fauna while improving your cat's safety and wellbeing.

Roaming cats are a significant threat to Australia's wildlife. According to the Biodiversity Council, nearly 80% of all roaming cats hunt wildlife, killing an average of more than 110 native animals each year. Even if your cat doesn't bring home prey, it may still be hunting.

What time does the cat curfew operate?

The cat curfew is from 7pm to 7am (dusk-to-dawn). Cats must be safely contained on your property during these hours.

What will happen if my cat is found outside between 7pm and 7am?

If your cat is found roaming during curfew hours, Council’s first approach will be to educate and support you to understand the curfew requirements and how to safely contain your cat.

This may include providing information, practical tips and access to resources. 

If ongoing non-compliance occurs, residents may request a cat trap from Council. If necessary, Council may also issue fines or impound roaming cats.

How can I stop my cat from roaming?

Cats can live rich and fulfilling lives without roaming. With the right environment, even cats used to going outside can settle well at home. There are also several safer ways for cats to enjoy outdoor spaces, such as:

• Make your home cat-friendly, whether you’re a renter or own your home
• Install a cat enclosure, cat run or cat-proof fencing
• Train your cat to use a harness and lead
• Provide regular play and enrichment to keep your cat mentally stimulated

Learn how to create a safe, enriched home environment that meets your cat’s physical and mental needs: 

• Keeping your cat safe at home – Animal Welfare Victoria 
• Creating the perfect indoor haven – Animal Welfare Victoria 
• Cat health information – Animal Welfare Victoria 

Wildlife protection and why containment matters

Understand how cat containment helps protect native birds and wildlife: 

• Impact of pet cats on wildlife – Biodiversity Council 
• Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife – RSPCA and Zoos Victoria 

Transitioning an outdoor cat

 Guidance and tips to support your cat during the transition to more time at home: 

• RSPCA How to transition your outdoor cat – transitioning tips and enrichment ideas 
• RSPCA Rethink Roaming – practical advice for cat owners 

Cat‑proof fencing and outdoor enclosures 

Ideas and guidance for creating safe outdoor spaces: 

• Cat-proof fencing and freestanding enclosures – Animal Welfare Victoria
•  Building a moveable outdoor cat enclosure (video) – Whittlesea Council

• Fence rollers for existing fences (video) – Whittlesea Council 

Resources in other languages 

Information to help more households prepare:  

RSPCA language resources: 

• Arabic 
• Hindi 
• Simplified Chinese 
• Korean