Imperial County, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Imperial County's main numeric rule affecting cats is the residential pet limit: under Section 90502.13 of the county zoning code, the R-1 single-family residential zone limits small domestic pets such as cats and dogs to five of any one or combination thereof. Unlike dogs - which over four months of age must be rabies-vaccinated and licensed in the unincorporated area - we did not identify a county-wide mandatory cat license, though the Animal Care and Control Program strongly encourages spaying/neutering, microchipping and vaccination, and offers low-cost spay/neuter, vet checkups and vaccines through its shelter and adoption program. Cats are still covered by general animal-welfare and nuisance principles: owners are responsible for their animals, and abandonment or neglect can be addressed under California's animal-cruelty laws (Penal Code section 597). For feral or community cats, trap-neuter-return style management is commonly coordinated with shelters and rescues rather than mandated by a specific county ordinance we located. Because cat-specific provisions are limited, the practical guidance is to keep cats vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and not let them become a nuisance. Confirm any current licensing or spay/neuter requirements with Imperial County Animal Care and Control at (442) 265-2655.