If your cat treats the whole street as their backyard, the rules may be about to catch up with them. Right across Australia, more councils are rolling out cat curfews and full containment orders in 2026 – and a growing number of owners are asking the same question: how do you keep a cat safe and contained without making them miserable? The good news is that, with a bit of planning, a contained cat can be every bit as happy as a roaming one.
Why councils are cracking down on roaming cats
There are two big reasons behind the push for containment, and both come down to safety – for wildlife and for your cat.
Australia’s native animals take a heavy toll from free-roaming cats. Research from the Threatened Species Recovery Hub estimated that the average roaming pet cat kills around 110 native animals a year, including birds, reptiles and small mammals. Multiply that across millions of pet cats and the impact on local wildlife adds up, which is why animal welfare groups and councils are keen to keep cats closer to home.
Roaming is also risky for cats themselves. Outdoors, they face traffic, dog attacks, cat fights, snake bites, ticks and infectious diseases. Contained cats avoid most of these hazards, and many vets and welfare bodies note that cats kept safely at home tend to live longer, healthier lives.
What’s changing in 2026
Rules differ from council to council, so it is worth checking exactly what applies where you live. A few notable changes are landing this year:
- Merri-bek (VIC): a night-time cat curfew from 7pm to 7am begins on 1 July 2026, with an eight-month grace period before enforcement ramps up.
- Wyndham (VIC): the council is moving towards full 24-hour cat containment as part of its current Domestic Animal Management Plan.
- New South Wales: the state government is amending companion animal laws so councils can introduce and enforce their own containment rules, with changes expected to progress through 2026.
More than half of Victorian councils already have a curfew or full-time containment in place, and other states are watching closely. Even where a curfew only covers overnight hours, cats may be kept indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure during that time – they just need to stay within your property boundary.
The simplest move is to search your local council’s website for “cat containment” or “cat curfew” so you know the hours, start dates and any fines that may apply in your area.
Is keeping a cat inside actually cruel?
It is a fair worry, but the answer is no – as long as you put the effort in. The RSPCA supports keeping cats contained and is clear that a contained cat can live a rich, contented life when their environment meets their needs. What matters is not whether a cat goes outside, but whether they have enough space, stimulation and choice in their day. A bored, under-stimulated cat in a bare home is the real welfare concern, and that is entirely fixable.
How to keep an indoor cat happy and healthy
Cats are natural hunters and climbers, so the goal is to bring those instincts indoors. Here is where to focus your energy.
Give them height and hiding spots
Cats love to climb, perch and survey their world from above. Cat trees, wall shelves, a clear windowsill or even a cleared bookshelf give them vertical territory. Just as importantly, provide cosy places to hide and retreat – a covered bed, a box or a quiet nook – so they can take themselves off when they want some peace.
Feed the hunting instinct
Short, daily play sessions with wand toys, feather teasers or a ball let your cat stalk, chase and pounce the way they would outdoors. Puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys are brilliant too. A simple DIY option is a toilet roll or container with kibble-sized holes cut into it, so your cat has to work a little for their food rather than gulping it from a bowl.
Scratching, sunbathing and the senses
Offer a sturdy scratching post or pad so your cat can stretch and mark naturally instead of using the couch. A sunny window spot, a pot of cat grass and rotating a few toys each week all help keep things interesting. Engaging a cat’s senses – new smells, textures and sounds – goes a long way indoors.
Let them enjoy the outdoors, safely
Containment does not have to mean four bare walls. A “catio” (an enclosed patio or window box), a cat-proofed yard or a secure run lets your cat feel the breeze and watch the birds without the risks. Many cats can also learn to walk on a harness and lead with patient training, giving them safe, supervised time outside.
Making the switch easier
Moving an older outdoor cat indoors takes patience. Make the change gradually rather than overnight, build up the enrichment above before you cut back their outdoor access, and keep mealtimes and routines predictable. Provide at least one litter tray per cat plus one spare, kept in a quiet spot. If your cat shows ongoing signs of stress – over-grooming, hiding constantly, toileting outside the tray or a change in appetite – it is worth a chat with your vet to rule out other issues and get tailored advice.
The bottom line
Cat containment is becoming the norm across much of Australia, and it brings real benefits for native wildlife and for your cat’s safety. With vertical space, daily play, smart feeding and a safe way to enjoy the outdoors, a contained cat can be just as happy as one that roams – often more so. Check your local council’s rules, start the changes early, and consult a licensed veterinarian for advice specific to your cat’s health and temperament.
