The cat rules changing in the City of Merri-bek.

Merri-bek has adopted a citywide cat curfew, but it doesn't start until 1 April 2027, so there's no curfew in force right now. From that date, cats registered before 1 April 2027 will need to be kept on the property overnight between 7pm and 7am, and any cat registered on or after that date will need to stay on the property 24 hours a day. The council says containment can be inside the home, within a fully enclosed cat run or catio, or just inside secure fencing, and cats can still head out on a lead or in a carrier. A fully enclosed cat run is the easy way to keep your cat on the block once the curfew kicks in.

Yes. Every cat over three months of age in Merri-bek must be registered with the council, and there's a fine for keeping an unregistered cat. Registration runs on an annual cycle and falls due on 10 April each year. To encourage desexing, the council offers a free first year of cat registration, so it's worth getting your cat on the books early. Check the council's pet registration page for the current fees, which are lower for desexed cats and pensioner concession holders.

Yes to both when you register for the first time. Merri-bek has compulsory desexing for new cat registrations, so your cat has to be desexed before it can go on the register. Your cat also needs to be microchipped, and you include a copy of the microchip certificate with your registration. Keep the microchip details up to date so the council can contact you if your cat is ever found.

At a standard house you can keep up to two cats over three months old without a permit. If you live in a flat, unit, apartment or townhouse, the limit is one cat. To keep more than that you need to apply for an excess animal permit before you get the extra cats, and the permit lasts up to five years. Check with the council for the current permit fee and conditions.

The cat run itself isn't something you register, so you don't need an animal permit to build one for your own cats. What can come into play is the building or planning rules that apply to any structure on your block. A small, low enclosure usually sits under the building permit thresholds, but a larger or taller one, or one close to a boundary or in a heritage or other overlay, can trigger a building or planning permit. If you're unsure, it's worth a quick call to Merri-bek's building and planning team before you start.

Merri-bek doesn't publish a specific cat enclosure height or setback rule, so the general Victorian building and planning rules for outbuildings and structures are what apply. In practice, a modest, low enclosure will usually fall under the building permit thresholds, while something bigger, taller, or built right on a boundary is more likely to need a permit. Heritage and other planning overlays are common across parts of Merri-bek and can add their own controls. We build to keep your run within sensible limits and we'll flag it if we think your setup needs a permit, and the council can confirm the exact figures for your property.

The council can impound cats found wandering, and once the curfew starts in 2027 that will include cats out during curfew hours. You'd normally pay a release fee to get your cat back, and an unregistered or unmicrochipped cat is harder to reunite and can attract a fine. The council also provides cat traps to residents dealing with nuisance cats, so a roaming cat can end up trapped by a neighbour. Keeping your cat contained in a secure enclosure avoids the whole hassle.

You can, but check first. If you rent, you'll need your landlord or agent's permission before putting up any structure, and a freestanding or easily removable enclosure is often the easiest to get across the line. In an apartment or unit you'll usually need owners corporation approval, and any balcony or courtyard enclosure needs to respect the building rules. We build enclosures to suit courtyards, balconies and small yards, so there's almost always a setup that works once you've got the go-ahead. Remember that in a flat or unit the council limit is one cat without a permit.

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 Merri-bek. 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 Merri-bek 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.