Bellflower, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Under Bellflower Municipal Code Chapter 17.16 (SF Single Family Zone), each dwelling unit may keep cats and dogs not exceeding three of either over four months of age, for personal use. That sets a practical limit of three cats per single-family household, with kittens under four months not counted. Bellflower's leash and at-large provisions in Chapter 6.04 are written in terms of dogs, not cats, so the city does not impose a cat-leash requirement; however, cats are still subject to the general nuisance and animal-care provisions of the code and to California's anti-cruelty and abandonment laws (Penal Code Section 597 and related sections). Bellflower's licensing program and rabies requirements focus on dogs - California state law (Health and Safety Code) mandates rabies vaccination and licensing for dogs but does not impose a statewide cat-license mandate, and no fetched Bellflower source requires cat licenses. Residents who exceed three cats, or who wish to keep cats for a non-personal/commercial purpose, would need to look at the Animal Permit process (Chapter 17.120). Owners of free-roaming or feral cat colonies should coordinate with the city's animal-services provider regarding spay/neuter and trapping practices.