WA Cat Containment Laws 2026: What Every Cat Owner Needs to Know
Photo: Oscar Fickel / Unsplash
If you're a cat owner in Western Australia, you've probably seen the news: the State Government is introducing legislation that will let local councils make their own cat containment laws. For many cat owners, this raises an obvious question - what does this actually mean for me and my cat?
Here's what we know so far, what it means in practice, and what your options are.
What's Changing?
On 20 February 2026, Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley announced that the WA Government will introduce the Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill. Once passed, it will give individual councils the power to:
- Require cats to be contained to their owner's property - no more free roaming
- Restrict cats in public areas - or allow them only under "effective control" (on a lead or in a carrier)
- Designate cat-prohibited zones around sensitive bushland and wildlife habitats
- Issue fines of up to $5,000 for non-compliance
This isn't a blanket statewide ban. Each council will decide what rules suit their community, though the State Government will provide model legislation for consistency.
Why Is This Happening?
The short answer: cats are devastating Australia's wildlife, and the numbers are staggering.
- 323 million native animals are killed by pet cats in Australia each year (Biodiversity Council)
- The average roaming pet cat kills 186 animals per year - 110 of them native species, including 38 birds and 40 reptiles (University of Sydney)
- Cats only bring home about 15% of their catches, so most owners never see the full toll
- Cats have contributed to 34 mammal extinctions in Australia and still threaten at least 120 more species
Here in WA, our native birds - Australian magpies, honeyeaters, fairy-wrens, quail-thrushes - are all on the menu. So are reptiles like skinks and geckos, and small mammals including the endangered numbat.
When Will the New Laws Take Effect?
The Bill still needs to pass both houses of Parliament. Based on the Government's timeline:
- 2026: The Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill is introduced and debated
- Late 2026 – 2027: Once passed, individual councils will begin drafting and adopting their own local laws
- Varies by council: Some councils (like Bayswater, Stirling, Cambridge, Cottesloe, and Pingelly) have been pushing for containment laws for years and will likely move fast. Others may take longer.
It's worth noting that over 20 councils have already tried to introduce cat containment laws but were blocked because the current Cat Act 2011 doesn't give them clear authority. This legislation removes that barrier.
Nearly 80% of WA local governments have expressed interest in implementing permanent cat containment laws, according to a survey by the WA Feral Cat Working Group.
What Are Your Options as a Cat Owner?
If your council introduces containment laws, you'll need to keep your cat on your property. Here are the main approaches:
1. Keep Your Cat Indoors Only
The simplest option, but not always practical - especially if your cat is used to going outside. Many indoor-only cats become stressed, destructive, or vocal (as any cat owner who's been screamed at by a bored cat can confirm).
2. Build a Catio or Cat Enclosure
Enclosed outdoor spaces - catios, cat runs, or netted enclosures - let your cat enjoy fresh air safely. The City of Bayswater is already offering up to $500 in rebates for cat owners who build one. However, catios aren't an option for everyone - renters typically can't install permanent structures, and even homeowners may find the cost and space requirements challenging.
3. Walk Your Cat on a Lead
Some councils may allow cats in public spaces if they're under "effective control" - on a harness and lead. This works for some cats, but let's be honest: most cats aren't thrilled about it.
4. Let Your Cat Outside With a CatBib
This is where we come in (yes, we're biased - but the science backs us up).
A CatBib is a lightweight neoprene bib that attaches to your cat's safety collar. It works in two ways:
- The bright colours make your cat visible to birds as it approaches - giving them an early warning
- It gently interferes with the pounce - coming between your cat's claws and the bird at the critical moment
University research conducted right here in Perth at Murdoch University found that CatBibs reduced predation of birds by 81% (Biological Conservation, 2007). They also reduced mammal catches by 45%.
Your cat can still run, jump, climb trees, eat, sleep, and use the cat flap - it just can't catch birds. The bib weighs just 60g, and 86% of cats adapt to wearing it immediately.
Important note: Even with a CatBib, you'll need to check what your specific council's containment laws require. If containment to your property is mandatory, a CatBib alone won't satisfy the legal requirement - but it's an excellent additional layer of protection for wildlife when your cat is on your property or if your council permits supervised outdoor time.
Common Myths About Cat Containment
"Cat containment laws are anti-pet."
They're actually pro-pet. Contained cats live longer, are less likely to be hit by cars, bitten by snakes, or injured in fights. The RSPCA says owners of contained cats spend about 400% less on vet bills.
"My cat doesn't hunt."
Studies consistently show that even well-fed domestic cats hunt instinctively. And since cats only bring home about 15% of their catches, you're almost certainly not seeing the full picture.
"Night curfews solve the problem."
Night curfews help, but they don't prevent bird hunting. Cats hunt mammals at night, but almost all bird hunting happens during the day. A night curfew changes the prey mix - it doesn't stop it.
"Bells stop cats from catching birds."
Bells reduce successful hunts by about 25–45%, which is something - but it's far less effective than a CatBib's 81% reduction in bird catches.
What Should You Do Now?
- Check your council's plans. Contact your local council or check their website to find out if and when they plan to introduce containment laws.
- Start preparing your cat. If your cat is used to free roaming, begin transitioning gradually. A CatBib is a great first step - it protects birds immediately while you figure out your longer-term plan.
- Have your say. The WA Government is currently consulting the public on the statutory review of the Cat Act 2011. Written submissions are invited on cat management topics including registration, enforcement, sterilisation, and containment.
The Bottom Line
These laws are coming, and they're coming because the science is clear: roaming cats are devastating Australian wildlife. But that doesn't mean your cat has to be miserable. With the right approach - whether that's a catio, a CatBib, or a combination - your cat can still enjoy the outdoors while our native birds get a fighting chance.
CatBib is a Perth-based, family-run business. Our bibs are university-tested right here in WA, and we've been helping cat owners protect birds since 1998. Learn more about the research →
References
- ABC News, "WA councils could make laws to stop cats roaming", 20 Feb 2026
- PerthNow, "Cats could face stricter containment laws", 28 Feb 2026
- Calver et al., "Reducing the rate of predation on wildlife by pet cats", Biological Conservation, Vol 137, Issue 3, July 2007
- University of Sydney, "Lock up your pet cat, it's a killing machine", May 2020
- Invasive Species Council, "Pandemic pet boom escalates wildlife kills"
- WA Feral Cat Working Group, "WA Local Government Cat Survey 2025"