The cat rules changing in the City of Brimbank.

Not right now, so there's no curfew in force today. That's changing though: under the council's Domestic Animal Management Plan, a Cat Containment Initiative will require all cats to be kept on their owner's property at all times from 1 January 2028, and a transition period is already running to give owners time to get set up. A fully enclosed cat run is the easy way to meet this, because it keeps your cat on your property day and night without shutting it indoors.

Yes. Cats over three months old must be registered with Brimbank, and registration is renewed every year by 10 April. Fees are set each year, with a cheaper rate for desexed cats and a discount for eligible pension cardholders. Check the council's register-your-pet page for the current amounts.

Your cat must be microchipped before you can register it. Desexing isn't strictly compulsory, but desexed cats pay a much lower registration fee, while a cat that's exempt from desexing costs quite a bit more to register. Council also runs targeted desexing programs from time to time, so it's worth asking what's on offer.

You can keep up to two cats at a property without needing a permit. To keep more than two you'll need an excess animal permit from the council, which involves an application and a fee. It's worth sorting this out before you take on any extra cats.

The cat run itself doesn't need an animal permit. A building permit is a separate question and can be triggered by the structure's size, height or how close it sits to a boundary. As a rough guide, small, low, freestanding enclosures often don't need one, but it's best to check with Brimbank's building team before you start.

There can be. Building rules around height and setback from boundaries can apply once a structure gets larger or taller, and planning overlays on some properties add extra conditions. We design our enclosures to sit comfortably within these limits, and we're happy to help you confirm the details with the council before we build.

A roaming cat can be picked up and impounded, and you'll usually pay release and daily holding fees to get it back. A registered, microchipped cat is far quicker to reunite with its owner. Once the containment rule starts in 2028, letting a cat roam off your property will also be a breach of the local rules.

Yes, but get your landlord's or owners corporation's written approval first, since you're adding or attaching a structure. For rentals we can build freestanding or easily removable enclosures, and for balconies or windows there are neat options that don't need permanent fixings. Just check what your lease or body corporate allows before we start.

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 Brimbank. 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 Brimbank 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.