Environment requirements

Cats like safe, secure areas to sleep in and tend to like height where possible. A box enclosed on three sides or an open transport basket is suitable. They like bedding, so washable blankets or towels are very suitable.

Cats bury their faeces and urine so, when kept indoors, they must be provided with a litter tray. This is best made of plastic to allow for easy, regular cleaning and disinfecting. It should contain fresh soil, wood shavings or some other absorbent material designed for this purpose. The litter should be changed at least once daily to prevent a build-up of contaminated material and odours. Good ventilation is important. Litter trays need to be in a quiet area where there is minimal chance of students disrupting the cat.

Managing cat access on school grounds

Cats not owned by the school, often access school grounds. Every effort must be made to balance the wellbeing of students and staff, animal welfare and environmental responsibility.

Humane and informed cat management helps maintain a safe learning environment and models care, respect, and shared responsibility within the school community.

Schools can take practical and humane steps to reduce the presence of cats on school grounds. A combination of site modifications, community education, and communication is recommended.

Remove access to food

• Ensure food scraps and waste are securely stored and disposed of.
• Discourage feeding cats on school grounds or near school boundaries.

Modify the school environment

• Install netting, sheeting or rolling cylinders on fences. Bear in mind that these measures may not be effective if other access points, such as gates, are open for extended periods.
• Block access to sub‑floor and under‑building spaces where cats may shelter. Ensure that cats are not in the area prior to installation, to avoid the risk of trapping them.
• Fit smooth metal or plastic collars around tree trunks to prevent cats using trees to cross fences.
• Use strong‑smelling plants such as lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, geraniums, or rue.
• Mulch garden beds with pebbles, pinecones, or larger bark mulch, as cats prefer loose soil for toileting.
• Install lattice or similar structures to block known access points.
• Cover sandpits when not in use.

Use deterrents cautiously

• Use deterrents with caution as many are ineffective, pose risks to other animals or may affect wildlife or companion animals.
• Use less intrusive options such as motion-activated sprinklers.

Engage local council and animal welfare organisations

Schools can contact their local council, animal welfare organisations or cat rescue groups to understand available programs that support the welfare of unowned and semi‑owned cats and the wider community.

Where feeding programs exist, relocating feeding sites away from school grounds may support more effective outcomes.

Communicate with the school community

• Inform staff, families and students about actions being taken and the reasons for them.
• Clearly communicate expectations, including that cats are not to be fed on school grounds.
• Communicate an expectation that all staff, students and the wider school community treat any cats with kindness and if a cat is sick or injured, veterinary attention is sought.
• Where appropriate, ask whether any staff members may be willing to adopt cats or kittens and provide a permanent, safe home.

Monitor and plan

• Consider using cameras during school holidays to better understand cat movement and behaviour.
• Use collected information to inform longer‑term planning and targeted interventions.

Provide student learning opportunities

Schools may partner with organisations such as RSPCA NSW to deliver curriculum‑aligned learning opportunities for staff and students. Education supports responsible behaviour and contributes to long‑term reductions in unowned cat populations.