
The days of letting your moggy roam free around the neighbourhood might be numbered in Western Australia, with councils set to gain powerful new enforcement tools that could leave unprepared cat owners facing hefty fines and expensive home modifications.
Local councils across WA are moving quickly to implement stricter cat containment laws, with the City of Stirling already drafting their proposed Cat Local Law 2025, signalling that these changes are closer than many pet owners realise.
The writing is on the wall for cat owners who've been putting off containment measures—and it's going to cost them.
What these new laws actually mean for you
Under emerging regulations, households within 200 metres of designated Cat Prohibited Areas must obtain permits to keep cats, with these buffer zones expanding significantly—Stirling alone is increasing protected areas from 11 to 43 reserves.
The federal government is amending the Cat Act 2011, with changes expected from early 2026. But don't wait—some councils are already moving ahead with their own versions of these containment requirements.
'The law must be fixed so councils can act now, protect wildlife, and meet community expectations, not wait until 2026'
Most households will be limited to keeping two cats without a permit, with additional approvals required for three or more cats or operating a cattery.
Local councils will have the power to fine owners whose cats stray beyond approved boundaries, with enforcement officers able to issue on-the-spot penalties for non-compliance.
The real cost—and your alternatives
While the original article mentioned custom enclosures costing upwards of $4,500, that's not your only option. Perth-based cat enclosure specialists report competitive pricing, with customers noting that building DIY versions would cost 'pretty much the same' as professional installation.
Cat containment options and approximate costs
Professional custom enclosures: $3,000-$6,000+
Modular prefab enclosures: $1,500-$3,000
DIY netting systems: $500-$1,500
Fence-top barriers (Oscillot-style): $99-$500
Window box extensions: $200-$800
Some solutions, like the Australian-made Oscillot system, start from just $99 and work by preventing cats from scaling fences without requiring full enclosures.
The good news? The established cat enclosure industry in WA keeps costs competitive through bulk buying and professional installation, passing savings onto customers.
Why councils are cracking down now
The statistics driving these changes are sobering. Since European settlement in 1788, cats have played a leading role in most of Australia's 34 mammal extinctions. A University of Sydney study found that each roaming cat killed an average of 186 reptiles, birds and mammals per year.
Did you know?
Did you know?
In areas inhabited by pet cats, the death rate reaches 4,440 to 8,100 native animals per square kilometre per year. With 2.7 million Australian pet cats (71 per cent of all pet cats) currently roaming free, the environmental impact is enormous.
WA Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley says councils have been requesting these powers for over a decade. The City of Bayswater's earlier attempt to introduce containment laws was rejected by parliament due to conflicts with existing legislation—making the current state-level amendments crucial.
What you can do right now
Don't wait for the laws to come into effect. Cat enclosures allow both you and your cat 'the freedom to explore outdoors in complete safety', and getting ahead of the requirement could save you money and stress.
Prepare now for WA's cat containment laws
- Research your local council's specific requirements
- Get quotes from multiple enclosure providers
- Consider starting with partial containment (window boxes, balcony extensions)
- Look into fence-top barrier systems as a budget option
- Factor containment into any home renovation plans
Contact your local council to understand their specific requirements. Many are still in consultation phases, meaning your input could influence the final regulations.
Consider temporary solutions while planning permanent ones. Professional-grade cat netting can 'keep your precious kitties safe' while 'keeping the unwanted ones out,' and can be adapted for 'large areas or small courtyards'.
Planning for the future
Smart cat owners are already adapting. Companies with over 30 years of experience in cat enclosure design report they 'tailor unique cat enclosures to fit your space and style, ensuring a perfect match for your home and your feline's needs'.
The key is starting early. Quality enclosures built with 'stainless steel rope,' 'galvanised mesh panels,' and 'sturdy workmanship' are 'built to last' and 'custom fabricated to fit your home perfectly'.
Remember, this isn't just about compliance—it's about responsible pet ownership that protects both your cat and Australia's unique wildlife.
What This Means For You
The countdown to 2026 has begun, but savvy cat owners won't wait until the last minute. Whether you choose a full custom enclosure or start with simple fence modifications, the time to act is now.
Have you started planning for these new requirements, or are you still weighing your options? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your fellow cat owners would love to hear your practical insights!
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
City of Stirling—Proposed Cats Local Law 2025
Cited text: On 27 May 2025, Council considered and resolved to advertise a proposed Cat Local Law 2025, which will repeal and replace the Keeping and Control of C...
Excerpt: Local councils across WA are moving quickly to implement stricter cat containment laws, with the City of Stirling already drafting their proposed Cat Local Law 2025
https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/city...rch-all-projects/proposed-cats-local-law-2025
City of Stirling—Proposed Cats Local Law 2025
Cited text: The City of Stirling has drafted the proposed new City of Stirling Cats Local Law 2025 to provide the City of Stirling with sufficient measures, in ac...
Excerpt: Local councils across WA are moving quickly to implement stricter cat containment laws, with the City of Stirling already drafting their proposed Cat Local Law 2025
https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/city...rch-all-projects/proposed-cats-local-law-2025
City of Stirling—Proposed Cats Local Law 2025
Cited text: Permit areas: Properties located within 200 metres of a Cat Prohibited Area—now expanded from 11 to 43 reserves—must also obtain a permit to keep ...
Excerpt: Under emerging regulations, households within 200 metres of designated Cat Prohibited Areas must obtain permits to keep cats, with these buffer zones expanding significantly—Stirling alone is increasing protected areas from 11 to 43…
https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/city...rch-all-projects/proposed-cats-local-law-2025
City of Stirling—Proposed Cats Local Law 2025
Cited text: ... Cat limits: Households may keep up to two cats without a permit. A permit is required to keep three or more cats or to operate a cattery.
Excerpt: Most households will be limited to keeping two cats without a permit, with additional approvals required for three or more cats or operating a cattery
https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/city...rch-all-projects/proposed-cats-local-law-2025
Cat Enclosures Perth—Safe Cat Containment—Cat Space Enclosures
Cited text: Price was also the best out of 2 quotes! Priced up building it ourselves and it would have cost pretty much the same.
Excerpt: Perth-based cat enclosure specialists report competitive pricing, with customers noting that building DIY versions would cost 'pretty much the same' as professional installation
Cat Enclosures Perth—Safe Cat Containment—Cat Space Enclosures
Cited text: He did an excellent job for a very reasonable price.
Excerpt: Perth-based cat enclosure specialists report competitive pricing, with customers noting that building DIY versions would cost 'pretty much the same' as professional installation
Cat Enclosures Gold Coast
Cited text: CAT-PROOF your yard without cages or nets 60 Day Money-Back Guarantee We’re so sure you'll love Oscillot® that we’ll give you a refund on the pro...
Excerpt: Some solutions, like the Australian-made Oscillot system, start from just $99 and work by preventing cats from scaling fences without requiring full enclosures
https://oscillot.com.au/pages/cat-enclosures-gold-coast
Cat enclosures Perth | outdoor cat enclosures | cat netting perth | cat runs
Cited text: We are able to install the best quality custom cat enclosures at low prices because we use professional and experienced netmakers. We keep our costs l...
Excerpt: The established cat enclosure industry in WA keeps costs competitive through bulk buying and professional installation, passing savings onto customers
https://secureakat.com.au/cat-enclosures-perth/
Cat enclosures Perth | outdoor cat enclosures | cat netting perth | cat runs
Cited text: Our outdoor cat enclosures are unobtrusive and allow you and your cat the freedom to explore outdoors in complete safety.
Excerpt: Cat enclosures allow both you and your cat 'the freedom to explore outdoors in complete safety'
https://secureakat.com.au/cat-enclosures-perth/
Kitty Kingdom | Kitty Kingdom
Cited text: Kitty Kingdom cat net is uv stabilized, low vis and pre stretched making it perfect for enclosing the whole backyard. Not only does it keep your preci...
Excerpt: Professional-grade cat netting can 'keep your precious kitties safe' while 'keeping the unwanted ones out,' and can be adapted for 'large areas or small courtyards'
https://www.kittykingdom.com.au/
Home—Catmax Cat Enclosures
Cited text: With over 30 years of experience, we have pioneered the development of CLEARNET Outdoor Cat Netting and custom-built enclosures, offering peace of min...
Excerpt: Companies with over 30 years of experience in cat enclosure design report they 'tailor unique cat enclosures to fit your space and style, ensuring a perfect match for your home and your feline's needs'
Home—Catmax Cat Enclosures
Cited text: We tailor unique cat enclosures to fit your space and style, ensuring a perfect match for your home and your feline’s needs.
Excerpt: Companies with over 30 years of experience in cat enclosure design report they 'tailor unique cat enclosures to fit your space and style, ensuring a perfect match for your home and your feline's needs'
Cat Runs WA—Cat Runs WA
Cited text: From our stainless steel rope to our galvanised mesh panels and gates and sturdy workmanship, a Cat Runs WA enclosure is built to last.We custom fabri...
Excerpt: Quality enclosures built with 'stainless steel rope,' 'galvanised mesh panels,' and 'sturdy workmanship' are 'built to last' and 'custom fabricated to fit your home perfectly'