Night-time cat rules for the City of Banyule.

Yes. Banyule runs a night-time cat curfew from 7pm to 7am, brought in as a two-year trial that started on 1 February 2025. During those hours your cat has to stay on your property and not wander the neighbourhood. A fully enclosed cat run makes that easy, because your cat gets safe outdoor time day or night while staying inside your boundary.

Yes. Cats must be registered with Banyule once they reach 3 months of age, and the registration is renewed every year, with renewals falling due on 10 April. Desexed and microchipped cats pay a reduced fee, and fees are reviewed each financial year, so check the current amount with the council.

Your cat has to be microchipped before it can be registered with Banyule. Desexing isn't strictly required, but desexed cats pay a lower registration fee, and the council has run free community cat desexing sessions for eligible residents. It's worth asking Banyule what's on offer when you register.

You can keep up to 2 cats at a property without needing a permit. If you want more than that, you'll need to apply to the council for an excess animal permit. It's a good idea to sort that out before bringing extra cats home.

You don't need an animal permit to build a cat enclosure. A building or planning permit is a separate question and can be triggered by the size, height, how close it sits to a boundary, or a planning overlay on your block. The safest move is a quick call to Banyule's building or planning team before you start.

There can be. As a general Victorian guide, a small freestanding structure of about 10 square metres or less and no more than 3 metres high is usually exempt from a building permit, with a lower height limit close to a boundary. Overlays, setbacks and how it attaches to the house can change that, so confirm the details for your address with the council.

A cat found off your property, or not securely contained during the 7pm to 7am curfew, can land the owner with an offence, and cats found roaming can be impounded by council officers. You may face fees to get your cat back, and possible fines. Keeping your cat contained, ideally in a secure outdoor cat space, avoids the stress and the cost.

You can, though renters should get the property owner's written permission first, and apartment or unit residents may also need the body corporate's okay. Freestanding or lightweight, removable cat enclosures are popular with renters because they don't permanently alter the building. Have a chat with us and we can tailor an outdoor cat space that suits your setup and any permissions you need.

A fully enclosed catio keeps your cat safely on your property, which is exactly what containment rules ask for, while still giving them fresh air and the sounds and smells of outside. We build a range of escape-proof enclosures, from a discreet patio catio to a side run or netting over the whole backyard, so there's an option to suit your home. Build a quote to get started.

Yes, we build custom catios right across greater Melbourne, including the City of Banyule. If you're not sure you're in range, get in touch and we'll let you know.

Always confirm the current rules with the council directly via the City of Banyule website (opens in a new tab). The guide above is research we've collated to help you get started, not legal advice, see the note at the foot of this page.