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Buncombe County, NC Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Rabies vaccination
Required at 4 months (Sec. 6-56)
Tag & collar
Worn at all times
Stray cats
May be impounded (Sec. 6-78)
Adoption rule
Spay/neuter before release
Bite quarantine
10-day confinement

Summary

Cats four months or older in Buncombe County must be vaccinated against rabies and wear a collar with the current rabies tag at all times (Sec. 6-56). Cats are covered by the same restraint and nuisance rules as other animals, and unvaccinated or stray cats may be impounded.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Buncombe County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be unlawful for an owner or keeper to fail to provide current vaccination against rabies for any dog or cat four months of age or older... It shall be unlawful for any dog or cat owner to fail to provide the dog or cat with a collar or harness to which a current rabies tag is securely attached.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Sec. 6-56 makes it unlawful for an owner or keeper to fail to provide current rabies vaccination for any dog or cat four months of age or older. After vaccination, a rabies tag is issued, and it is unlawful for any cat owner to fail to keep a collar or harness with the current tag securely attached and worn at all times. Female cats in heat must be confined so they do not attract other animals (Sec. 6-57(a)(10)). Any lost, stray, or unvaccinated cat may be impounded and confined at the county animal shelter (Sec. 6-78); adopted or reclaimed cats must be vaccinated and spayed/neutered before release. Cats that bite a person are confined ten days for rabies observation (Sec.

Violations & Fines

Failure to vaccinate a cat against rabies or provide the tag is a Level III civil penalty (Sec. 6-106, up to $500) and the cat is subject to impoundment. Redemption requires paying assessed fines, fees, boarding, and vaccination costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my cat need a rabies shot in Buncombe County?
Yes. Sec. 6-56 requires current rabies vaccination for any cat four months or older, and the cat must wear a collar with the current rabies tag at all times.
Can the county impound a stray or unvaccinated cat?
Yes. Under Sec. 6-78 any cat that is lost, stray, unwanted, or without a valid rabies tag may be impounded at the county shelter and must be vaccinated and altered before adoption.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Buncombe County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsHeavy RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingLight Restrictions

All Buncombe County rules

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