In NSW, breeding cats is regulated to ensure the health, safety, and happiness of the pets.

Here are the key responsibilities and requirements for cat breeders in NSW.

Legislation

Cat breeders must follow laws protecting animal welfare that the NSW Department of Primary Industries administers, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 2025 and the Animal Welfare Code of Practice.

Microchipping

Cats must be microchipped before being sold or given away, or by the time they are 12 weeks old. Failure to do so may result in a penalty of up to $880. It is the breeder's responsibility to ensure this is done.

Registration

All breeding cats must be registered on the NSW Pet Registry. Breeders must register their cats by 12 weeks of age. Registration is required regardless of the pet's desexed status. Breeders must be listed as the person responsible for the litter, regardless of whether payment has been made in full or a deposit has been paid.

Age restrictions

Female cats (queens) must not be intentionally mated during their first oestrous cycle. Only sell or give away kittens after they’re 8 weeks old. New owners must be over 18 years of age.

Litter limits

Queens must not have more than 3 litters in any 2-year period, unless a veterinary practitioner approves it in writing.

Advertising

In NSW, when you advertise that you are selling or giving away kittens or cats you must include an identification number.

This identification number can be the pets’ microchip number, recognised breeder number, or your breeder identification number (BIN), which is issued free of charge when you create a litter for the first time on the NSW Pet Registry. Rehoming organisations must use their rehoming organisation number.

For more detailed information and to find registered breeders, you can refer to the NSW Pet Registry and the Office of Local Government's resources.