Cat Management
There are new laws that affect you and your cat. These include the introduction of:
- mandatory microchipping
- mandatory desexing
- a new registry and standards/guidelines for breeders and sellers
- establishment of a statewide database (Dogs and Cats Online)
These new rules are designed to help reunite you with your lost cat and prevent unwanted litters.
Register your cat on DACO
Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) enables cat owners to register their pets' details online at no charge. Visit Dogs and Cats Online to complete your cat registration.
Owners can login online at any time and update contact details in one place and notify Council if their cat has gone missing.
Mandatory microchipping
From 1 July 2018, if you own a cat it must be microchipped.
- Kittens need to be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or at the point of sale
- If you acquire a new cat that is not microchipped, it must have one implanted within 28 days
- Cat microchip information must be recorded on Dogs and Cats Online.
Microchips must be implanted by a veterinary surgeon or an authorised person.
Unlike a collar or tag - which can easily snag and fall off - microchipping is a safe and permanent way to identify your cat if it becomes lost or is impounded. When you get your cat microchipped, it's important to remember to keep your personal details linked to the microchip updated. If you move house, change contact details etc., you must update your information on DACO.
Mandatory desexing
All cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed.
- Cats must be desexed by 6 months of age
Cats can only be desexed by a registered veterinary surgeon.
For more information on mandatory microchipping and desexing, and cat breeders and sellers visit Good Cat SA.