Animal and pets

Find information about pet ownership, registrations, local laws, and animal services in the City of Fremantle.

Cats and cat ownership

Find answers to common questions about owning a cat in the City of Fremantle.

Yes. Cats are currently allowed to roam within the City of Fremantle.

As a cat owner, you must make sure your cat:

  • Does not enter another person’s property without their permission

  • Does not harm or kill wildlife

  • Does not enter prohibited areas

Although roaming is allowed, the City strongly encourages owners to keep cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure. This helps protect cats from traffic, fights with other animals, and disease.

For more advice on keeping cats safe, visit RSPCA advice on keeping cats safe and contained (external link).

You must ensure your cat is:

  • Microchipped

  • Sterilised

  • Registered with the City of Fremantle

You can keep a maximum of three cats per property.

Register your cat online at Register your cat with the City of Fremantle.

If a cat is repeatedly entering your property:

  • If you know the owner, consider leaving a polite note asking them to keep their cat contained.

  • If you do not know the owner, believe the cat is stray, or the issue continues, contact the City’s Community Safety Team on 1300 360 666 to arrange a cat trap.

Captured cats are taken to Cat Haven. Cats are checked for a microchip and returned to their owner where possible, or rehomed if no owner can be identified.

Not usually.

A roaming cat is not breaking the law if it:

  • Has not entered your property

  • Has not harmed wildlife

  • Has not entered a prohibited area

If none of these apply, no action is required.

No. There is currently no requirement to keep cats indoors in the City of Fremantle.

The City is monitoring potential changes to state legislation.

At its Ordinary Meeting on 24 September 2024, Council supported the intent of a proposed amendment to the City of Fremantle Cat Management Local Law 2020, subject to state processes.

In September 2025, the City of Bayswater Keeping and Control of Cats Amendment Local Law 2024 was disallowed by the Legislative Council.

The State Government also announced in September 2025 that it will draft amendments to the Cat Act 2011, allowing local governments to create and enforce cat containment local laws.

Because of this, the City is unlikely to amend its local law until the updated Cat Act comes into effect. These changes are anticipated to commence in 2027, with further time required to review the local law.

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Gold and black badge reading “Fremantle, WA Gold Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2025 Winner,” with a gold map pin and white star on the left side.

The City of Fremantle acknowledges the Whadjuk people as the Traditional Owners of the Fremantle/Walyalup area and we recognise their cultural and heritage beliefs are still important today.

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