Desexing
The Cat Management Act 2009 requires all cats over the age of four (4) months to be microchipped and desexed.
A desexed cat typically lives longer and is less territorial. It will be less likely to wander, fight, and spray-mark its territory, and in general make a better pet. Desexing also prevents unwanted litters of kittens that contribute to the stray and feral cat population and to the ongoing demise of native wildlife.
In Tasmania, the owner of a cat, that is four (4) months of age or older, must ensure that the cat is desexed by a veterinary surgeon. This requirement does not apply to:
A cat that has been assessed by a veterinary surgeon and a certificate/letter has been issued for that cat stating that to desex the cat may adversely affect the health and welfare of the cat. The certificate/letter must indicate if this is for the life of the cat or until the cat reaches a particular age or health status; or
A cat owned for the purpose of breeding by a registered breeder, or the holder of a cat breeding permit in relation to the cat; or
A cat that is a member of a prescribed class of cats.
The
National Desexing Network (NDN) is a nationwide referral system to help those in financial need with the cost of desexing their pets. To find out more visit their website
National Desexing Network.
For more information on desexing requirements for the sale of a cat, go to our webpage
Breeding, Selling and Buying Cats.
How do I know if a cat is desexed?
A cat that is desexed may be identified by a prescribed permanent mark inside the left ear.
If a person is unsure whether their cats is desexed or not, they should take the cat to a veterinary surgeon for the cat to be assessed.
Microchipping of cats
In Tasmania, all cats over four (4) months of age must be implanted with a microchip1 by a microchip implanter.
Microchips are a method of electronic identification; about the size of a grain of rice; and are implanted under a cat's skin.
Each microchip contains a unique identification number which can be detected by a microchip scanner. The microchip number is recorded in a microchip database with the owner’s contact details.
If a cat is separated from its owner, the cat can be scanned for a microchip allowing its owner to be contacted. It is important that owners keep their details up to date in the database to ensure they can be contacted if they become separated from their cat.
1The requirement for microchipping does not apply to a cat which has been assessed by a veterinary surgeon and a certificate/letter has been issued for that cat, stating that the implantation of a microchip in the cat may adversely affect the health and welfare of the cat.
For more information on microchipping requirements for the sale of a cat, please see our webpage
Breeding, Selling and Buying Cats.
Who can implant a microchip in a cat?
(i) for a cat management facility; or
(ii) under the direct on-site supervision of a veterinary surgeon;
- a person who is implanting microchips in cats for the purposes of undertaking an approved course in the implantation of microchips in cats, provided that the person is implanting the microchips under the direct on-site supervision of a veterinary surgeon.
A person wishing to be an approved microchip implanter, can write to the Secretary NRE Tas, including providing details and evidence of their relevant qualifications and/or experience with microchip implantation of cats. The letter can be sent via email to: catmanagement@nre.tas.gov.au.
Approved course for implantation of microchips
The Secretary, NRE Tasmania has approved the following course in the implantation of microchips:
There are currently no registered training providers in Tasmania offering the course; however, the course is offered by several training providers in other states.