Cat rules and catios in the City of Stonnington.

Stonnington doesn't have a blanket cat curfew, so there's no set overnight lock-in time across the municipality. Even so, the council's local law and animal policy expect you to keep your cat confined to your own property and not let it wander or cause a nuisance next door. A fully enclosed cat run is a simple way to keep your cat safely on the property day and night. The council has been reviewing its domestic animal management plan, so it's worth checking the current rule before you rely on it.

Yes. Under Victorian law you must register your cat with the council once it is over three months old, and registration is renewed every year. In Stonnington renewals fall due by 10 April. Your cat also needs to be microchipped before you can register it.

In Stonnington cats generally have to be desexed before the council will register them, with exemptions granted only in limited circumstances such as registered breeders or a vet's certificate. A microchip is also required before you register. Desexed cats pay a lower registration fee, and fees are reviewed each year with concession discounts in some cases, so check the council's fees page for the current amounts.

You can keep up to two cats at a property without needing a permit. If you'd like to keep three or more, you'll need to apply to the council for a permit to keep extra animals, and they may inspect the property first. It's worth confirming the current numbers and application details with the council before you take on more cats.

The cat run itself doesn't need an animal permit. A building permit can come into play depending on the size and height of the structure, with smaller low outbuildings often exempt under Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018. Because a lot of Stonnington sits under a heritage overlay, a planning permit can also be triggered, so it's best to check with the council's building and planning team before you start.

Yes, the usual building and planning rules around height, setbacks from boundaries and site coverage can apply, especially for larger or taller enclosures or where your property is covered by a heritage or other overlay. Most modest cat runs tucked against the house or fence sit well within these limits. If you're unsure, a quick call to the council will confirm what applies to your block.

If your cat is found off your property it can be picked up by council officers and taken to the animal shelter. You'll usually need to pay a release fee to collect it, with extra costs if it isn't registered or microchipped. Keeping your cat registered, microchipped and safely contained is the easiest way to avoid the hassle and get it home quickly.

You can, though it pays to plan ahead. If you rent, you'll need your landlord's permission, and a freestanding or easily removable enclosure is usually the way to go. In an apartment a balcony or window cat run can work well, but check your owners corporation rules first. We build enclosures to suit tight spaces and can work around what your lease or building 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 City of Stonnington. 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 Stonnington 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.