Impounding cats

If there are stray cats in your area that you want to have collected, you need to call your local council and speak to the animal management or local laws department.

You can find the contact details for your local council in the phonebook or on the Internet. See find your local council you’re not sure which council area you’re in, or call 136 186.

Different councils have different procedures for impounding stray cats. Some councils will require you to catch or trap the cat, others will do this for you. Some councils will collect the cat from your property, others may require you to bring it into the pound yourself. You will need to contact your local council to find out which procedure applies in your municipality.

If the stray cat/s are not easily caught or handled, they will need to be trapped. You may be able to hire traps from your council, who should also provide you with guidelines on trapping cats. For instance they may suggest:

• Establish a regular daily feeding routine prior to trapping. The cat should be fed in the same place (preferably in the shade), at the same time (preferably just before dusk), by the same person.
• Do not feed the cat for 24 HOURS prior to setting trap, to ensure it is sufficiently hungry to enter trap. Fishy food is the most successful lure, as it is strong smelling. The trap should be set in a shady or sheltered area in the vicinity where the regular feeds have been conducted.
• Traps should be checked regularly, and preferably not left unattended (cats are vulnerable once trapped, and their welfare must be a priority). Cats must be taken to the Municipal Pound as soon as possible after capture to avoid unnecessary stress and suffering (e.g. exposure to inclement weather).
• Cats must NOT be transported in enclosed car boots and if the weather is hot, water MUST be provided (the back plate may be lifted slightly and a water bowl put in). Cages should be covered with a blanket to help calm the cat.