Beaumont, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Three provisions carry the core cat rules in Title 6 of the Beaumont Municipal Code. Section 6.04.030 makes it unlawful for anyone who owns, harbors or keeps an unaltered cat four months of age or older to allow it to be or remain outdoors within the City. Title 6 defines altered as a neutered male or spayed female, so the outdoor ban is tied to the cat's sterilization status. Section 6.04.040 governs trapping. An operating cat trap needs a posted sign stating that a trap is in use, clearly visible from the road serving the property and displayed at all times while the trap is set. Trapping cannot continue for more than ten days in a 30-day period. A lactating female must be released immediately to avoid removing a cat that could be nursing kittens. The section does not apply when the Animal Services Officer determines the trap is being used for rabies control. Under § 6.04.100 the Department rents cat traps to residents for a fee and term set by resolution.

Licensing is optional for cats, unlike dogs. Section 6.06.020 allows the Animal Services Officer to issue a license and tag on presentation of a veterinarian-signed certificate of vaccination and payment of a fee, and the license lasts for the period of immunity shown on the certificate. Transfers are tracked: under § 6.02.130 the owner of an unaltered cat must notify the Department of the transferee's name and address within ten days after the transfer, and microchip numbers must appear on the transfer document. Section 6.02.140 bans selling or transferring cats on public streets, sidewalks and parks, and § 6.02.142 bans transfers at swap meets. A rescuer maintaining five or more cats needs a cattery license and one acre of land under § 6.16.040(d).