Rules for keeping cats and opening a cattery
How many companion cats you can keep
There is no limit on the number of cats you can keep on your property.
We also do not control the noise that free, wandering cats make.
If the cats at a private residence are creating a nuisance, such as noise or odour, contact us.
Caring for cats and their welfare
As a cat owner, desexing and micro-chipping your cat will help keep them and other animals, including native wildlife, safe and well.
Read the Ministry for Primary Industries' Companion Cats Code of Welfare 2018 for the legal minimum standards for the care of companion cats.
To help ensure all cats in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland have a safe and happy home for their lifetime, we have created a guide to responsible cat ownership, in partnership with:
Guidelines for cat ownership and welfare
Get a copy of the guidelines
What you need to do to open a cattery
Check if you need resource consent
You may need a resource consent if you want to open a cattery.
Visit What is a consent and do you need one for more information.
Talk to us about nuisance and health risks
You will also need to discuss possible odour, nuisance and noise issues with one of our environmental health officers.
The Animal Management Bylaw 2015 requires all animal owners to make sure their animals do not create a nuisance or health risk to anyone else.
If you want to open a cattery, you will need to meet this obligation.
Contact us to speak with a member of the Environmental Health Team.