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Adelaide Council pet plan flags a trend in cat management

The release of the City of Adelaide Dog and Cat Management Plan 2026–2030 signals a broad shift in how Australian communities approach domestic cat ownership. The plan does not introduce compulsory cat containment. Instead, it promotes the “Good Cats Play at Home” approach, highlighting the benefits of containment for local wildlife and for cats’ health and longevity. It also promotes microchipping, desexing, and responsible management of roaming behavior alongside mandatory registration on the state database.

Adelaide has stopped short of the stronger measures adopted elsewhere, but its approach reflects a widespread shift away from the assumption that pet cats should be free to roam.

What’s the picture nationally?

There is no national cat-containment law. Requirements are set by state and territory legislation and local council by-laws. Here is how the rules stand across major Australian capital cities:
Canberra (ACT): Mandatory 24-hour containment applies to all cats born on or after 1 July 2022. Older cats are exempt from the territory-wide rule unless they reside in designated containment suburbs, where all cats must be contained. Registration is compulsory and cats may only leave private property in a secure carrier or on a leash.
Brisbane (QLD): Requires cats to remain on their owner’s property, either indoors or within an escape-proof outdoor enclosure. While Brisbane City Council does not charge a general cat registration fee, microchipping is mandatory, and owners can be fined for allowing a cat to wander.
Darwin (NT): Requires cats to be contained at home or under effective control when outside. Registration and microchipping are compulsory. Fines apply for uncontained cats, with stricter containment rules in designated wildlife protection areas.
Melbourne (VIC): The City of Melbourne council introduced a mandatory night curfew (6 pm to 8 am) and mandatory desexing. Across Greater Melbourne, cat containment rules vary significantly by municipality, ranging from night curfews to 24-hour containment.
Sydney (NSW): Has no general cat-containment requirement under state law. Cats may roam unless found in prohibited zones, such as designated wildlife protection areas. Registration and microchipping are compulsory and owners of cats not desexed by 4 months face an annual permit fee.
Perth (WA): Under WA legislation, cats must be registered, microchipped, and sterilised. State legislative updates provide Perth metropolitan councils with explicit powers to enforce containment rules and curfews on private property.
Hobart (TAS): Encourages containment but has no city-wide mandate. Tasmania requires microchipping and desexing. Under state legislation, roaming cats may be trapped if they stray onto private property.

What’s the trend?

Regulations across Australian cities are getting tighter. As local animal management plans are reviewed, councils are increasingly introducing containment rules, night curfews, or “grandfathering” provisions for existing pets.

The era of cats as “feed and forget” pets is coming to an end.

This post is for general information only. Local council by-laws vary significantly between neighboring locations so it’s best to confirm specific requirements with your local council.

Transitioning a free-roaming cat to full containment requires time and environmental enrichment to keep pets physically and mentally healthy. We’ll talk more about that in future posts.

Read also: Four tips for a happy stay-at-home-cat

Adelaide Council pet plan flags a trend in cat management Read More »

Bird Flu and my cat – update

When we last posted about H5 avian influenza, Australia was still free of the highly contagious H5 strain of bird flu. That has now changed.

H5 bird flu has been detected in wild birds in several states, including South Australia. There is evidence of local transmission among wild birds and it has also been detected in some wild mammals.

Can my cat catch H5 bird flu?

Yes. Cats can become infected with H5 bird flu, although infections in cats and dogs have been uncommon overseas.

Cats are at greater risk if they hunt, scavenge or come into contact with infected birds or other wildlife. Overseas infections have also been associated with eating raw pet food or drinking unpasteurised milk.

For most Australian pet cats—particularly cats kept indoors and away from wildlife—the risk remains low.

What signs should I look for?

Signs of H5 bird flu in cats can include:

  • fever
  • unusual tiredness or loss of appetite
  • red or inflamed eyes, or discharge from the eyes or nose
  • coughing or sneezing
  • difficulty breathing
  • neurological problems such as tremors, seizures, poor coordination or blindness.

If your cat has been in contact with a sick or dead bird, bird droppings, feathers or a potentially contaminated environment, monitor it for signs of illness for seven days.

If your cat becomes unwell, phone your veterinarian before taking your cat to the clinic and tell them about the possible exposure. This allows the clinic to take appropriate precautions.

Can I catch bird flu from my cat?

The current risk of H5 bird flu to people in Australia is considered low. Humans  generally require close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Still, the sensible approach is to avoid direct contact with animals suspected of having H5 bird flu and seek professional advice.

How can I protect my cat?

Prevent contact with wild birds and other wildlife. Keep cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure and don’t allow them to hunt or scavenge. Keep their food and water indoors where wild birds cannot access it.

Don’t allow your cat to investigate sick or dead birds, feathers or carcasses. If you have been in direct contact with sick or dead birds yourself, shower and change your clothes before handling your cat.

A good source of general Bird Flu information is the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

We will continue to follow developments and update cat owners as the situation changes.

Bird Flu and my cat – update Read More »

The mystery of gingers, torties and calicos solved!

Have you ever wondered why there are far more male ginger cats than females or the genetic story behind tortoiseshells and calicos?

After more than a century of curiosity, scientists in the USA and Japan have finally uncovered the genetic secrets behind these classic feline coat colors.

They have confirmed that the vibrant orange coat in cats,  ginger, is linked to a gene on the X chromosome, called the Orange gene.

This discovery supports a theory proposed in 1912 by American geneticist Clarence Cook Little. He suggested that coat colour is tied to the X chromosome which means that male cats (with the X and Y gene) can only be either completely orange or non-orange. Females (with two X genes) can inherit both forms of the gene, resulting in the unique mixed patterns seen in tortoiseshells and calicos.

So, why are most gingers male?

Since males only need one copy of the orange gene to express the color, they are more likely to be ginger. Females, on the other hand, require two orange gene copies, which is far less common. This explains why only about 4% of female cats are ginger.

Recent studies have pinpointed the Orange gene’s function. A large DNA deletion in the gene alters when and where it activates, producing orange fur. This gene is also involved in hair follicle development, revealing a new biological pathway for pigment production.

In tortoiseshells and calicos, the gene is activated in some areas and not in others, creating their patchwork coats.

Although a very few male tortoiseshells and calicos occur, they typically have an extra X chromosome, which is very rare. This research highlights the complicated genetics behind these much-loved cat colour variations.

For ginger cat fans and tortie admirers, this discovery answers some age-old questions – and opens doors to exciting new scientific exploration.

Watch this space!

The mystery of gingers, torties and calicos solved! Read More »

Are cat curfews the way of the future?

The Mannigham Council, northeast of Melbourne, will be the latest to apply a 24 hour curfew to domestic cats when new rules come into force in April 2024.

The trend in recent years to restrict cat freedom is mainly driven by :

  • a desire to protect native birds and small animals from cat predation
  • neighbour complaints such as noise, damage to property and fouling of gardens and play areas
  • concerns for the health of free-roaming cats which have a shorter lifespan and greater exposure to disease.

The 2022 report, Australian Government response to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy report: Tackling the feral cat pandemic also provided a new impetus to the control of domestic cats. It reported that they were a significant contributor to wildlife loss and recommended curfew and containment programs.(1)

Action from local governments have been mixed. While micro-chipping is almost universal and registration is common, regulations to contain cats within household boundaries apply in only about one-quarter of councils.

State governments have also failed to pass legislation that supports the adoption of curfews. While some States are keen to get on, others, notably Queensland, are badly lagging.

When it applies its 24 hour curfew, Manningham will join, for example, the ACT, Adelaide Hills Council (SA), Knox City Council (VIC), Bruny Island (TAS) and Kangaroo Island (SA).

About one-third of owners already contain their cats full time but resistance by other cats owners can be strong.  Cats have traditionally been an easy option for pet ownership, sometimes just feed and forget. The extra thought and expense required to contain cats and then provide the necessary stimulation and exercise to keep them healthy can be a major change.

The Manningham Council will be attempting to bring the community along with it.

“We will be focused on community awareness and education on the benefits of cat confinement prior to and during the amnesty period before moving towards compliance and enforcement” said Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange.

As well as an extended amnesty and review period, the Council is engaging in an extensive information campaign and providing web resources for cat owners facing the transition.

Hopefully we can look to to a future where care for our cats can live alongside our care for native animals.

If you’d like to read more, check out The management of cats by local governments in Australia: summary of national survey results

(1) CSIRO research reports that, on average, each roaming, hunting pet cat in Australia kills 40 native reptiles, 38 native birds and 32 native mammals per year.

Are cat curfews the way of the future? Read More »

Could you feed your cat on a vegan diet?

Increasing numbers of people are making the shift to vegetarian or vegan diets for health, cost or animal kindness reasons or to decrease the burden on our planet.

But is it safe, healthy and practical to take your domestic cat down the vegan path?

The short answer is maybe, but go carefully.

Cats are carnivores. Their bodies have evolved to thrive on a diet primarily composed of animal-based proteins and the other nutrients associated with meat. While humans can adapt to various diets, cats have specific nutritional requirements that make a vegetarian or vegan diet potentially risky.

Safety

Unlike dogs, cats cannot efficiently synthesise essential nutrients like taurine and vitamin A from plant sources alone. Taurine deficiency, for instance, can lead to severe health issues, including heart problems and vision impairments. To address this, commercial vegetarian and vegan cat foods are often supplemented with synthetic nutrients.

Health

Cats require high-quality protein, and the amino acids in animal proteins are essential for their overall well-being. Protein deficiency can lead to muscle wasting and other health complications. Additionally, cats need certain fats found in animal tissues for energy and the maintenance of a healthy coat.

Practicality

Transitioning a cat to a vegetarian or vegan diet can be difficult. Their preferences are strongly inclined towards meat. Some cats may outright reject plant-based foods, leading to potential malnutrition. Owners may also face difficulties in sourcing and preparing balanced vegetarian or vegan meals for their pets. There might also be laws in your area that have something to say about feeding a suitable and adequate diet to animals in your care.

What does the science say?

A recent review showed there was not much high quality research and the conclusions were sometimes contradictory. They concluded

…there is little evidence of adverse effects arising in dogs and cats on vegan diets…some of the evidence on adverse health impacts is contradicted in other studies…there is some evidence of benefits, particularly arising from guardians’ perceptions of the diets…a cautious approach is recommended. If guardians wish to implement a vegan diet, it is recommended that commercial foods are used.1

Four takeouts

  1. Talk to your vet before making major dietary changes

  2. Use commercially prepared vegan foods formulated to meet cats’s dietary needs

  3. Monitor your own cat for signs of food rejection or dietary deficiencies

  4. Accept that, for some cats, it may be possible to incorporate only limited plant-based ingredients without risking the cat’s health.

1The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review Adriana Domínguez-Oliva, Daniel Mota-Rojas, Ines Semendric and Alexandra L. Whittaker

Could you feed your cat on a vegan diet? Read More »

Feline health grants for 2023 are now open

This is our Secretary’s cat Lily to let you know that applications for this year’s Feline Health Research Fund grants are now open.

The Feline Health Research Fund each year calls for relevant research proposals from scientists, veterinarians and post-graduate students from Australian universities and research institutes.

Thanks to the work of these scientists, vets and post-graduate students our domestic cats, like Lily, will live longer and healthier lives.

Find out more about the grants by visiting the FHRF Grants Page.

This round closes on Friday 1 September 2023.

Grants are solely funded by donations and bequests from individual cat lovers and organisations devoted to cat welfare. Find out how you can support this work by visiting the Support Feline Health Page.

Please feel free to forward this information to colleagues and associates with an interest in feline health research.

Happy International Cat Day!

 

Feline health grants for 2023 are now open Read More »

2023 Grant Round

I

If you are looking for a partner to fund your research into cat health, we may be what you need.

The Feline Health Research Fund makes grants of up to $10,000 from it’s pool of  donations from cat lovers, professionals and the industry to fund quality Australian research into issues affecting the health, wellbeing and longevity of domestic cats.

We are encouraging applications from a range of disciplines into a wide range of health issues for domestic cats.

For more information please go to the Applying for a Grant page on our website.  There you can download the Small Grants Application Form, read the Grant FAQs and check out details of previously funded projects.

The window for this grant round opens on the Monday 7 August and closes at 5pm on Friday 1 September 2023.

If you have questions after reading the website information, please email the Secretary, Feline Health Research Fund.

2023 Grant Round Read More »

Can my cat get asthma?

You bet! Cats have thousands of tiny airways in their lungs that extract oxygen from the air.  Like us, those airways can become obstructed causing shortness of breath, distress and even death.

Symptoms

The most obvious and immediate of symptom of asthma is difficulty in breathing. You may notice a wheezing or a high-pitched whistling sound that is caused by a narrowing of the airways. You may notice short, shallow breathing or a hacking cough, especially after exercise.  In the longer term, you may also notice a general decline in energy and a loss of appetite.  In severe cases you may observe a bluish tint to their gums and tongue due to a lack of oxygen. In this situation it is essential to get your cat to the vet immediately.

Causes

One of the most common causes of asthma in is exposure to environmental allergens such as dust, pollen, and mould. These can trigger an allergic reaction, causing inflammation and closing of the airways.

Genetics may also have a role. Some breeds of cats, such as Siamese and Himalayans, may be more predisposed to developing asthma and cats that have a family history of asthma may be more at risk too.

If you cat has become stressed by moving to a new home, by the addition of a new pet or family member, or changes in their routine, this can trigger asthma symptoms.

If your cat is overweight, this can put added stress on the respiratory system, making it more difficult for them to breathe and potentially contributing to the development of asthma.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of asthma in cats will, typically, involve a physical exam by a vet, blood tests, and x-rays or ultrasound. Treatments may include medications that open the airways (bronchodilators) and corticosteroids that reduce the inflammation.

Other solutions

The best long-term solution may be identifying and removing the causes in the cat’s environment. The list of likely candidates will be familiar to human asthma sufferers.  They include cigarette and wood smoke, cleaning products, scented aerosols, perfume, pollen, mould, grass and dust mites.

A trip to your vet to check out your cat’s breathing problems might also eliminate other potential causes of lung issues such as food allergies, parasitic infections, heartworm and bacterial infections.

As always, watching out for any obvious changes in your cat’s usual behaviour is your best alert that something might be amiss. Take a careful note of what you are seeing and report it to your vet.

If you’d like to find out more about feline asthma, have a look at this page from Cat Health.com

If you found this post useful, you might like to encourage your friends to sign up for this free cat health bulletin by the link on our front page.  No spam, no advertising – ever.

Can my cat get asthma? Read More »

FIP is no longer a death sentence

Feline coronavirus is common in cats and shares that scary name with COVID-19.  Fortunately it doesn’t affect humans and causes negligible, if any, symptoms in cats aside from mild diarrhoea.

But when the feline coronavirus changes to a specific strain of the coronavirus, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) can develop. In about 10 percent of cats infected, the virus will multiply and mutate, resulting in an FIP virus infection that spreads throughout the cat’s body. It can cause an extreme inflammatory reaction in the tissues surrounding the abdomen, chest, kidney, eyes or brain.

Until recently, a diagnosis of FIP was a death sentence for a feline patient. But that notion has been turned on its head over the last few years as new methods of diagnosis and treatment have been developed.

Now veterinarians are in a position to successfully treat 80 percent or more of cats with FIP. But the treatment can be expensive.

Over the last year, successful treatments have made use of injections of the COVID-19 treatment drug remdesivir (GS 5734) and an antiviral drug GS 441524.

The manufacturer that developed GS-441524, has not developed the drug for use in cats so various laboratories in China and eastern Europe started manufacturing GS-441524 and selling it on the black-market.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, Vet Boards and Border Force have made it difficult to import GS-441524. Vets who made use of the black-market drugs to treat FIP were warned off.

Fortunately it is legal for the drug to be compounded for cats by a compounding pharmacy. The company BOVA Australia is compounding GS441524 in tuna-flavoured tablets.

A less expensive option, mefloquine (commercial name Lariam) is a human antimalarial drug that has antiviral affects and has been used to treat FIP. In several cats where owners were unable to afford a full course of remdesivir, mefloquine has achieved a clinical cure.

The search for cheaper and easier remedies for FIP goes on. Sydney University PhD student, Sally Coggins, is studying these drugs for the treatment of FIP, making use of data from Australian vets who are treating FIP cases in their practices.

For more detailed information read this article on a current treatment protocol. 

Although treatments can be expensive, the situation continues to evolve.  As we usually recommend, early detection and following the advice of your vet is the best course.

FIP is no longer a death sentence Read More »

Toxoplasmosis – be alert but not alarmed

T. gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, is spread widely through the human and animal population but domestic cats have a unique role in it’s life-cycle. While other animals can carry T. gondii, it is only in the gut of domestic cats that it can reproduce. The parasite is excreted into the environment in the faeces of the cat.

Fortunately, the immune systems of most humans and animals are robust enough to suppress the infection so that it causes no harm.

It is in people and animals with weakened immune systems and pregnant women that it become a danger.

Toxoplasmosis in cats

Most cats infected with T. gondii show no signs of disease. However, when the cat’s immune system is suppressed, including young kittens and cats with feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus, full-blown toxoplasmosis may occur.

Kittens born to queens infected with T. gondii in the womb can become infected via the placenta or via suckling. Illness is common and the severity varies with the stage of gestation at the time of infection.

The most common symptoms of toxoplasmosis in cats include fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Treatment is by a course of antibiotics and the outcome depends on how soon treatment was started and which organs in the cats are affected.

Toxoplasmosis in people

Most people carrying T. gondii will experience no symptoms but there are two serious exceptions. People undergoing treatment for cancer or HIV or other treatments that suppress their immune systems are at risk of serious infection. This is most usually detected by a blood test.

Toxoplasmosis in pregnant women is particularly dangerous. Getting toxoplasmosis shortly before or during pregnancy can pass the parasite through the placenta to the baby. This increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or serious health problems including vision problems, blindness, developmental delays and learning difficulties.

Precautions

Cat owners, or people whose garden is frequented by cats, can safeguard themselves and their families by:

  • wearing gloves and washing hands after gardening
  • emptying and washing litter trays frequently
  • washing hands after handling litter trays and utensils
  • not allowing cats on food preparation surfaces
  • covering children’s sandboxes

People without cats can ingest T, gondii by eating raw meat, eating unwashed fruit or vegetables or by drinking unpasteurised milk.

It is estimated that one in three people in the world have been, or are carrying, T. gondii but with a few precautions, you and your family will likely be unaffected.

You can find more about Toxoplasmosis in this comprehensive article.

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