Cat owners in Canberra will soon be forced to keep their pets indoors or on a leash, or face a hefty fine.
A city-wide law banning felines from wandering freely will come into effect at the end of next week (July1).
Our World News Editor Kate Gregan has more information.
They're curious creatures who will soon have their curiosity curbed.
From next Friday, Canberra will become a cat containment zone.
Chris Steel is the A.C.T City Services Minister - he told Sunrise the goal is to protect other animals.
"Cats are beloved pets but they do prey on native wildlife, around 61,000 native birds and around 30,000 lizards as well as mammals and frogs in the ACT every year.
"Cat containment will help to reduce them praying on native wildlife."
But he says containment is ALSO good for the cat.
"We know that cats that are contained live longer, happier lives, they are not prone to disease, accidents or fights with other cats."
Felines keen for a taste of the great outdoors will have to use a cat run, or be on a lead.
Crucially - moggies born before the laws come into effect will be exempt -- but the government is still urging all owners to follow the new rules.
Chris Steel recognises that it's easier said than done.
"Well the first stage will be educating the community on responsible pet ownership, keeping their cat on their premises and registering their cat.
"With those registration details we will also be able to enforce cat containment, if we trap a cat we will know who owns it and we will be able to give out a fine."
That fine could be up to AU$1600.
Mandatory registration will also apply for all cats -- and owners who adopt after July the 1st will have to pay a small fee.
But some rescuers fear the new rules will dissuade potential adoptee's from adding to their brood.
The President of Canberra Pet Rescue - Amanda Doelle, told the ABC, cat containment isn't for the faint-hearted.
"I think for some people it might be hard to contain a cat and in some cases quite expensive if they are looking at cat containment options."
Other parts of Australia are also cracking-down on roaming cats.
The Fremantle Council in Western Australia has voted to ban felines from all council property, including roads, verges, footpaths and car parks.
