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.

As predators, cats are very efficient hunters of Tasmania’s native 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 sold or given away must be more than eight weeks old, desexed and microchipped. The Act also introduces powers to trap, seize or destroy stray and feral cats in certain circumstances and gives land owners and managers the statutory power to control cats found on their land.

Over many years, a feral cat population has become established in Tasmania. DPIPWE is responsible for coordinating efforts to better understand and reduce these impacts. The Invasive Species Branch, in consultation with key industry and community groups, has developed the statewide Tasmanian Cat Management Plan  2017-2022 to support these efforts.

In this Topic

  • 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.
  • Cat Management Amendment Bill
    This Bill amended the Cat Management Act 2009 to improve levels of responsible cat ownership and welfare, provide for effective management and reduce the potential negative impacts of cats on the community, agriculture and environment 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