Cat Rules
Animal Ordinances
Rules specific to cats, outdoor roaming, feral cat colonies, leash laws (yes, some cities require them), and licensing requirements.
How Cat Rules Rules Differ by Place
Evanston, IL: Evanston Bans Cat Declawing
Heavy RestrictionsDeclawing a cat anywhere in Evanston is illegal unless a licensed veterinarian certifies the procedure is medically necessary. City Code Section 9-4-22(B) bans onychectomy…
Maricopa County, AZ: Cat Licensing & At-Large Rules in Maricopa County
Few RestrictionsMaricopa County's animal control ordinance requires dog licenses and bans dogs from running at large, but sets no license, leash, or at-large rule for cats in the unincorporated county.
Phoenix, AZ: Phoenix Feral Cats Exempt From Hoarding Cap
Few RestrictionsPhoenix requires no cat license and has no leash or at-large law for cats: only dogs are covered. The city's animal hoarding ordinance also specifically exempts feral cats from its…
Fresno County, CA: Fresno County Community Cat (TNR) Program Rules
Few RestrictionsFresno County has no cat licensing requirement, but Chapter 9.10 authorizes and regulates a trap-neuter-return protocol for community cats. Under Section 9.10.030, only humane box or…
Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Cat Rabies Tag and Impoundment
Some RestrictionsBirmingham makes it unlawful to keep any cat over three months old without a current rabies inoculation and tag issued under state law. The city runs no feral-colony or…
Huntsville, AL: Huntsville Cat Licensing and At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsHuntsville requires an annual $10-$50 cat license and bans letting cats become a nuisance or run at large, though sterilized 'community cats' registered under the city's TNR program…
Cities & Counties with Cat Rules Rules
400 locations
Alabama
California
Illinois
Other Animal Ordinances Topics
Chickens & Livestock
Combined rules for keeping chickens and other livestock such as goats, rabbits, and ducks on residential property, including lot size requirements.
Dog Leash Laws
When and where dogs must be on a leash, off-leash park rules, leash length limits, and penalties for dogs running loose.
Breed Restrictions
Bans or special requirements for specific dog breeds, including breed-specific legislation, muzzle requirements, and insurance mandates.
Beekeeping
Rules for keeping bees in residential areas, including hive placement, number of colonies allowed, and registration requirements.
Exotic Pets
Which non-traditional pets are allowed or banned, such as reptiles, ferrets, potbelly pigs, and other exotic animals.
Wildlife Feeding
Rules about feeding wild animals like deer, coyotes, or feral cats, and requirements for securing trash to prevent wildlife encounters.
Pet Limits
Maximum number of cats, dogs, or other companion animals allowed per household, including counts that trigger kennel-license requirements.
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Requirements that dogs and cats over a certain age be sterilized, with intact-animal permits, exemptions for breeders, and penalties for noncompliance.
Microchipping
Mandates that dogs and cats be microchipped before leaving a shelter or by a certain age, including registration and tag requirements.
Coyote Management
How your city handles urban coyotes, including hazing protocols, feeding bans, and what residents should do when sighting one near homes.
Pet Store Rules
Restrictions on retail pet sales, including bans on commercially bred dogs and cats and rescue-only sourcing requirements.
Pet Groomer Rules
Health and safety standards for commercial pet grooming, including animal-handling certifications, sanitation, and zoning where mobile groomers may operate.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Where veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency animal-care facilities may be located, including overnight-boarding and noise buffers.
Bird Protection
Local rules protecting specific bird species (LAMC §53.55), including penalties for trapping or harming protected species and bird-safe building design.
Wildlife Rescue Permits
CDFW and city permits required to rehabilitate injured wildlife, including the Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit program and approved holding facilities.