To help protect our local wildlife and keep cats safe, new cat confinement rules were introduced, requiring cats to be on their owner's property at all times unless they are securely confined (for example, in a cat carrier or on a leash).
Cat confinement forms part of Nillumbik's Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025–2029 and was informed by two rounds of community consultation to ensure community views were carefully considered.
Council recognises this is a significant change for many households and their cats. To support community, a two-year transition period has been introduced and is now in place.
During this initial phase, Council's approach is focused on education and guidance, working with cat owners to support a smooth and practical transition to keeping cats at home.
Cats can still enjoy outdoor time at home, provided they remain within the boundaries of their owner's property. Safe outdoor play can be achieved with the use of enclosures or escape-proof fencing. There are many cost-effective and DIY options available.
Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said cat confinement was vital for keeping both local wildlife and cats safe.
"We are fortunate to have the most incredible wildlife in Nillumbik. I know that this is why many residents choose to live in our shire," Cr Joiner said.
"Just one roaming pet cat can kill over 100 native animals every year. One of the best ways to protect native wildlife is to keep our cats confined. We are grateful to Nillumbik's cat owners for supporting us to make changes that protect our flora and fauna."
"Keeping cats on your property is also much safer for them," Cr Joiner said. "Every year, many pet cats get injured or go missing. It's a sad story that we hear all too often."
Many Victorian councils already have 24/7 cat confinement, including our neighbours in in Manningham, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges.
Why cat confinement?
It's safer for wildlife
Even well-fed cats can hunt wildlife. On average, one roaming pet cat kills 186 reptiles, birds and mammals every year, over 100 of them native to Australia.
Nillumbik supports a high proportion of threatened fauna species, with approximately 60 species listed as threatened in Victoria.
It's safer for cats
Roaming pet cats may have shorter lives than cats that are kept at home.
They are at risk of being injured in fights, getting run over, catching diseases and more.
Surveys show that two out of three cat owners have permanently lost a cat due to roaming incidents.
