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Published: 5 August 2026.

Simple steps every cat owner can take on responsible pet ownership.

Cats are much-loved companions and an important part of many Burnside households. Whether you've owned cats for years or recently welcomed a new kitten into your family, responsible cat ownership helps ensure our pets live healthy, happy lives. The good news is that a few simple steps can make a big difference.

Home is the safest place

Allowing cats to roam freely can expose them to a range of risks, including traffic, disease, injury, poisoning and fights with other animals. Research shows that cats that are safely contained often live longer, healthier lives than those allowed to roam.

Containment can be achieved in many ways, including keeping cats indoors, providing access to a secure outdoor enclosure (often called a catio), or installing cat-proof fencing systems. These options allow cats to enjoy stimulating environments while remaining safe on their own property.

For new kitten owners, establishing containment from an early age can be especially beneficial. Kittens that grow up living indoors or within secure outdoor spaces often adapt quickly and comfortably to these environments.

Creating an Enriching Life for Your Cat

Contained cats can lead active, healthy and rewarding lives when provided with opportunities to play, explore and exercise.

Simple enrichment ideas include:

• Climbing towers and scratching posts.

• Interactive toys and puzzle feeders.

• Window perches and outdoor viewing areas.

• Regular playtime with family members.

• Secure outdoor enclosures or catios.

• Somewhere high for the cat to climb (e.g., an accessible and well-supported windowsill, ledge or shelf).

• A quite place, where a cat can recharge.

Providing enrichment supports both your cat's physical and mental wellbeing while helping to reduce boredom and stress.

Being a Good Neighbour

Roaming cats can sometimes cause issues for neighbouring properties, including digging in gardens, fighting with other cats, spraying and wandering onto private property. Neighbours can be disrupted by cats but unwilling to share their concerns with the cat owner.

Keeping your cat contained helps minimise these impacts and contributes to a more harmonious community. Responsible cat ownership benefits not only your pet, but also your neighbours and the wider community.

Good for Cats, Good for Wildlife

While cats are much loved and valued pets, they are also natural hunters. Even well-fed cats may hunt birds and other animals.

Burnside's parks, reserves and backyards provide important habitat for native wildlife, which is much loved by the community. By keeping cats safely contained, residents can play a meaningful role in protecting local biodiversity while still providing their pets with happy and fulfilling lives.

Containment is one of the simplest and most effective actions cat owners can take to help native wildlife thrive.

Consider Night-Time Containment

If full-time containment is not immediately possible, keeping cats indoors or securely contained between dusk and dawn is certainly beneficial.

Many native species are most active during these hours, making them particularly vulnerable to roaming pets. Night-time containment can significantly reduce impacts on wildlife while also helping keep cats safe from harm.

Responsible cat ownership involves more than containment

Responsible cat ownership in the City of Burnside includes ensuring your cat is microchipped, desexed (unless exempt), recorded on Dogs and Cats Online (DACO), and safely contained on your property.

These simple steps improve animal welfare, support the return of lost pets and help protect local wildlife.

Microchipping provides the best chance of being reunited with your cat if it becomes lost, while keeping your details up to date on Dogs and Cats Online helps ensure you can be contacted quickly if your pet is found.

Desexing helps prevent unwanted litters and can reduce roaming tendencies and some unwanted behaviours.

For information about recording your cat's details on DACO, visit the Dogs and Cats Online website or speak with your local veterinarian.

Simple Steps You Can Take Today

✔ Register your cat.

✔ Ensure your cat is microchipped and your details are up to date.

✔ Desex your cat unless exempt.

✔ Keep your cat safely contained, particularly at night.

✔ Provide enrichment through toys, climbing structures and play.

✔ Help protect your cat and native wildlife by preventing roaming.

✔ Be considerate of neighbours and surrounding properties.

Small Actions, Big Difference

Responsible cat ownership is good for cats, good for neighbours and good for the environment.

By registering, microchipping and desexing your cat, providing an enriching home environment and keeping them safely contained, you can help your pet live a longer, healthier life while supporting the protection of local wildlife.

Together, we can create a community where pets and wildlife thrive side by side.

For more information about responsible cat ownership, cat containment options and your obligations as a cat owner, visit the Dog and Cat Management Board website at dogandcatboard.com.au.