Council is changing the rules for local cat owners

New rules will soon apply to Maranoa residents and their feline friends.

Cat registration will soon be mandatory in the Maranoa, after Council resolved to introduce a new program from July 1. Picture: Happy Paws

A CRACKDOWN on stray cats is set to begin with Maranoa Regional Council's introduction of mandatory registration for residents' furry friends.

From July 1, domestic cats will have to be registered, but fees will be waived for the first 12 months.

It is council's first step in combating a feral cat infestation in the region.

The issue had been raised by many residents, portfolio chairwoman for community safety Councillor Puddy Chandler said.

"There has been a problem with feral cats in our towns for a long time, particularly in the CBD areas, and registration is the first step in cat control.

"Now that council has a facility where we can impound cats, we are getting the basics done.

"We want to start by making sure the people who have cats, and value their cats, register and microchip them.

"That way whenever a cat is caught its owner is easily found."

Cat registration will be free for the first 12 months of the program in order to get residents on board.