Roaming cats targeted in new discount scheme

CAT owners who commit to keeping their pets contained at all times will be rewarded with at least 50 per cent off their annual registration renewal under a new City of Greater Geelong initiative.

The voluntary measure encourages owners to go beyond the existing dusk-to-dawn curfew by formally declaring their cat will be kept indoors or securely within their property.

The push comes as pet registration numbers trend downward across the region, with cost-of-living pressures believed to be a contributing factor.

The city’s executive director of city life, Anthony Basford, said the initiative was designed to reduce roaming and support responsible ownership.

“Cat containment benefits the whole community by helping to reduce nuisance complaints and neighbourhood conflict, protect native birds, reptiles and small mammals and lessen demand for cat trapping and shelter services,” he said.

The incentive comes as cat registration fees rise to $68 per animal, or $34 for concession card holders, with the council warning the updated charges will begin appearing on annual renewal notices from Monday.

“Increased registration fees reflect rising fees from the Victorian government and the growing costs of our services, such as responding to nuisance cat complaints, trapping and reunification,” Basford said.

Owners who sign the containment declaration will have that commitment recorded by council.

If a registered cat subject to the agreement is found roaming, animal management officers will issue “education and a warning”. This warning will be issued regardless of whether the cat has escaped, or the owner has flouted the rules.

For second and subsequent breaches, the owner will lose access to the discount and registration will revert to full price from the next renewal period.

“With practical support, education, enforcement and fair incentives on offer, we expect registration numbers to improve over time,” Basford said.

The city is also offering a free first year of registration for cats that are microchipped and desexed.

More than 9,000 cats were registered with the city in 2025, but it is estimated about 13,500 cats locally could be unregistered.

The measure’s success will be assessed against a target of a 10 per cent increase in registrations year on year.