This week,hundreds of cat owners in the Shoalhaven area will receive a mailed letter encouraging them to register and desex their pets.

Under New South Wales’Companion Animals Act,owners of cats older than four months must have the animal desexed or obtain an annual permit.

In collaboration with the RSPCA,Shoalhaven Council promotes desexing to support feline health and wellbeing,reduce problematic behaviors,and help protect local wildlife.

“In the Shoalhaven,we estimate that nearly 500 cats over four months old are still unregistered and undesexed.This is very concerning—not only for the welfare of these cats,but also for the quality of life in our towns and villages,”stated Mayor Patricia White.

“Since there are no laws in NSW to stop cats from roaming,undesexed cats that wander can become aggressive,territorial,and a major threat to native wildlife.They also face a higher risk of injury,”Cr White added.

“I urge all cat owners in our community to make desexing,microchipping,and registration a priority.These simple measures improve your cat’s wellbeing,save you money,and help lessen impacts on other residents and their animals,”she said.

An annual permit for a cat not desexed by four months of age is priced at$99.Registering a desexed cat costs$70,or$35 for residents receiving the Age Pension.

A late fee of$23 may apply,and non-compliance could result in a penalty of$400.Owners will have 14 days from receiving the letter to pay the annual permit and,if needed,to register their pet for life.

Residents are also reminded to keep their pets’details current,especially after moving or a change of ownership.Updates can be submitted through the NSW Pet Registry or at the council office.