Cats
Responsible cat ownership
By being a responsible cat owner you can help to create a safer and healthier environment for all cats in our community as well as helping protect our precious wildlife - check out the FAQ under Responsible Cat Ownership
Council's Cat Bylaw is designed to meet national legislative requirements, assist animal welfare, and protect wildlife.
Ruapehu Bylaw - rules for keeping cats
The Ruapehu Bylaw rules are as follows:
Limit on Cat Numbers
- You can keep up to four cats older than six months without needing a special permit from the Council.
- If you have or plan to have more than four, be sure to apply for a permit.
No Feeding or Attracting Feral Cats
- Please avoid feeding or attracting feral cats to your property.
- This helps prevent the spread of disease and reduces the number of stray cats in our community which helps protect our precious wildlife.
Microchipping and Registration
- All cats over six months must be microchipped and registered with the New Zealand Companion Animals Register or another Council approved microchip registry.
- This ensures your cat can be easily identified if they ever get lost or is accidently caught in trap.
De-sexing
- Cats over six months old must be de-sexed unless they are kept for breeding purposes and are registered with a nationally recognized breeders’ body, such as New Zealand Cat Fancy Inc. or Catz Inc.
- Cats are exempt from de-sexing if a vet certifies that the procedure would endanger the cat’s life.
- Note: Kittens must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be de-sexed. Mother cats must have weaned their kittens before they can be de-sexed - this is usually 8 to 10 weeks.
Health and Community Benefits of De-sexing Your Cat
De-sexing your cat is not just about following the rules—it’s also one of the best things you can do for your cat’s health and well-being. Here are some of the key benefits:
Longer Life and Better Health:
- De-sexed cats are less likely to develop certain cancers and other health issues, leading to a longer and healthier life.
Improved Behavior:
- De-sexed cats tend to be calmer and less likely to exhibit aggressive behaviour.
- They’re also less likely to roam, reducing the risk of getting lost or injured.
Helping to Control the Cat Population:
- By de-sexing your cat, you’re helping to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of stray and feral cats in our community.
- This contributes to a healthier environment for all animals.
Lower Risk of Disease:
De-sexing reduces the risk of your cat contracting or spreading diseases, making it safer for them and other animals they may come into contact with.
Needing help with de-sexing and microchipping costs?
SPCA Snip ‘n’ Chip scheme
The SPCA Snip ‘n’ Chip scheme provides funding support for eligible pet owners to have their pet de-sexed and microchipped at a participating local vet. In Ruapehu the following vet clinics are part of the scheme:
Totally Vets Taumarunui
168 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui
07 895 8899
VetEnt King Country
2 Turaki Street, Taumarunui
07 895 7585
Ruapehu Veterinary Services
100 Seddon Street, Raetihi
06 385 4611
Contact the vet directly or book online at: desexing.spca.nz
Council de-sexing vouchers
Council also has a limited number of vouchers to assist with de-sexing and microchipping costs. If you cannot get assistance through the SPCA Snip ‘n’ Chip scheme, please call the Council Compliance Team on 07 895 8188 to see if we can help.
