Cat Management in Tasmania

Cats are present throughout Tasmania, as domestic pets, free-living strays, and as feral animals. As pets, cats are wonderful companion animals and have a range of health benefits for their owners. But, if not managed well, cats can also be a nuisance in our community and have serious impacts on our agriculture and wildlife.

The Tasmanian Government promotes responsible cat ownership and the Cat Management Act 2009 and the Cat Management Regulations 2012 provide support for the community in managing the health, welfare and impacts of cats.

Under the Act only registered breeders are permitted to breed cats. Cats that are sold or given away must be more than eight weeks old, desexed and microchipped. The Act also permits the trapping, seizing and humane destruction of stray and feral cats in certain circumstances, and gives landowners and managers the statutory power to control cats found on their land.

DPIPWE, in consultation with key stakeholder groups, has developed the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan 2017 - 2022. Amendments to the Cat Management Act 2009, that reflect recommendations in the Plan for regulatory change, are coming into effect in 2021 and 2022.

Further information on the amendments can be found at Amendments to the Cat Management Act 2009.

In this Topic

  • Cat Management Act Amendments
    Amendments to the Cat Management Act 2009 are changing the way cats are cared for and managed in Tasmania.
  • The TassieCat Project
    The Tasmanian Cat Management Project (the ‘TassieCat Project’) is a state-wide initiative to encourage and facilitate responsible cat ownership and management in Tasmania.
  • Tasmanian Cat Management Plan
    The Tasmanian Cat Management Plan represents the first comprehensive and collaborative approach to managing cats in Tasmania. The Plan recognises that cat management is a shared responsibility across all levels of government, business and the community and includes actions under seven objectives.
  • Information for Cat Owners
    Responsible cat ownership goes beyond just caring for and feeding your cat.
  • Breeding and Selling Cats
    The responsibilities of cat breeders under the Cat Management Act.
  • Councils and Cat Management Facilities
    The Cat Management Act establishes cat management facilities as a key community resource to manage unwanted and stray cats.
  • Controlling Stray and Feral Cats
    Feral cats have a range of impacts on Tasmania's environment and agriculture. Managing these impacts is a community responsibility.
  • Cats and Wildlife
    Simple ways for cat owners to better care for the health and welfare of pet cats and Tasmania's native wildlife

Contact

Invasive Species Branch
Phone: 03 6165 3777
Email: invasivespecies@dpipwe.tas.gov.au