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.
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.