City of Darwin is encouraging cat owners to register for its free cat desexing program, with registrations now extended until Wednesday 20 May 2026.
The extension follows strong community interest and aims to ensure more residents can take advantage of the free program, which supports responsible pet ownership and helps reduce stray and roaming cat populations across Darwin.
City of Darwin Lord Mayor, Peter Styles, said desexing was one of the most important steps pet owners could take to improve the health and wellbeing of their pets.
"Desexing helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces roaming and nuisance behaviours and supports a healthier life for pets," Mr Styles said.
"Cats can begin breeding from as young as four months old and can have multiple litters each year, contributing to stray cat populations if left undesexed.
"This free program makes desexing more accessible for residents and we encourage anyone who is eligible to register before the extended closing date of 20 May," he said.
The initiative follows City of Darwin's six-month Cat Tracking Program, which ran from July 2025 to January 2026 and highlighted the impacts roaming cats can have on animal welfare, neighbourhood amenity and local wildlife.
The program recorded 168 reports and identified 221 cats and 42 kittens across the municipality, with residents reporting roaming, hunting and nuisance behaviours.
During the program, residents reported:
26 cats observed hunting wildlife
29 cats identified as causing nuisance behaviour
six cats found within protected or biodiversity areas
51 cats seen near roads or carparks, highlighting safety risks to animals.
"By desexing pets, residents are helping protect native wildlife, improving community safety and giving their pets the best chance at a healthier life."
City of Darwin strongly recommends residents desex their cats and is encouraging anyone with questions about the free program to contact Council's Animal Education Helpline for support and advice.
Registrations are opened until the Wednesday 20 May. Spaces available are limited.
Book your cat in for desexing here: Cat Desexing webform
