Cat & catio rules across the Shire of Central Goldfields.

No. Central Goldfields Shire doesn't run a cat curfew, so there's no set time your cat has to be kept inside or held on your property. The council did raise a possible night-time curfew for cats when it consulted on its Domestic Animal Management Plan for 2026 to 2029, but none has been made law, so this is worth keeping an eye on. Even without a curfew, a fully enclosed cat run is the easy way to keep your cat on your own block, away from cars and out of the neighbours' gardens.

Yes. Under Victorian law every cat must be registered with the council by the time it is three months old, and Central Goldfields sends renewal notices that are due by 10 April each year. Registration gets your cat a council ID marker and a far better chance of being returned to you if it goes missing. You can register through the council's online animal registration portal or by lodging a form in person at the council office in Maryborough. Let the registration lapse and you can be fined.

Your cat has to be microchipped before the council will accept a new registration, and you'll need to show proof. Desexing isn't compulsory, but a desexed and microchipped cat qualifies for a reduced registration fee, so it usually pays for itself. Central Goldfields also runs a cat de-sexing offer that bundles de-sexing, microchipping and registration into one low fee, so it's worth asking the council about the current deal.

Under the council's local law you can keep up to two cats without a permit on land under 4000 square metres, which is about an acre, or up to four cats on a block of 4001 square metres or more. To keep more than that you need a permit from the council and an annual permit fee applies. Planning controls can also come into it, so it's best to check with the council's planning team before you lodge an application.

The cat enclosure itself doesn't need an animal permit. What can apply is a building permit, which in Victoria generally comes down to the size and height of the structure. A small, light cat run is often exempt, but a larger or taller one, or a block with a heritage or other overlay, may need approval. Check with the council's building or planning team for your address before you start.

Victoria's building rules use the size of a structure, its height and how close it sits to the boundary to decide whether a permit is needed. As a rough guide a small structure under about 10 square metres and no more than 3 metres high, set back from the boundary, is often exempt, but that isn't a guarantee and overlays can change it. We build our enclosures to sit comfortably within those limits, and we'd always confirm the specifics with the council for your property.

The council runs a pound and responds to reports about roaming and nuisance animals, so a wandering cat can be picked up and impounded. If your cat is registered and microchipped it's much quicker to reunite you, which is one of the main reasons registration matters. You may also have to pay a release fee or a fine to get your cat back. Keeping your cat in a secure enclosure avoids the whole problem.

Usually yes, but get your landlord's or owners corporation's written okay first, since you're adding or attaching a structure. Freestanding or removable cat runs suit rentals well because they can come with you when you move and don't alter the building. For units and apartments, a balcony or window enclosure often works nicely. We can tailor a cat enclosure to your space and to what your lease or body corporate allows.

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 Shire of Central Goldfields. 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 Shire of Central Goldfields 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.