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Bishop, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Cat leash
Not required
At-large rule
Cats excepted (6.04.180)
Cat license
None required
Nuisance noise
Still prohibited (6.08.050)
Sanitation
Required (6.08.020)

Summary

Cats are the one animal Bishop exempts from its leash and at-large restraint rule, so cats may roam. But a cat kept in an unsanitary condition, or one whose cries disturb neighbors, is still a nuisance the city can abate. There is no cat license requirement.

No owner of any animal, wild or domestic, except the domestic cat, shall permit or suffer the animal to do any of the following: 1. Run at large (i.e., shall not be off the premises of the owner) unless under restraint by leash.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

Bishop's animal-at-large rule, Municipal Code 6.04.180, expressly excepts the domestic cat, so cats are not required to be leashed or confined to the owner's premises. Bishop's licensing chapter applies to dogs, not cats, so there is no cat license. That said, general nuisance rules still apply: Municipal Code 6.08.020 makes it unlawful to keep any household pet in a foul, offensive, or unsanitary condition, and 6.08.050 makes it a nuisance to keep a household pet whose sound or cry disturbs the peace and comfort of a neighborhood. Cruelty to any animal is prohibited by 6.08.060. California also requires rabies control for cats in designated areas.

Violations & Fines

A cat kept in unsanitary conditions or creating disturbing noise is a nuisance the city council may order abated within ten days, with abatement costs charged to the owner (BMC 6.08.130-.140).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cats have to be leashed in Bishop?
No. Bishop Municipal Code 6.04.180 excepts the domestic cat from the leash and at-large restraint rule, so cats may roam off the premises.
Do I need a license for my cat?
No. Bishop's licensing chapter covers dogs, not cats, so there is no cat license requirement in the city.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bishop

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All Bishop rules

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