Cathedral City, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Section 10.10.050 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code sets the cat limit: dogs and cats may be kept in any zone within the city provided that no more than three of each, or a combination not to exceed three of these animals, are kept within a single legal lot. The section points to § 9.100.050 of the zoning code, which prints the same sentence, so the cap appears in both Title 9 and Title 10.

Two zoning sections shape how the cap works. Section 9.100.060 says the offspring of animals do not count toward the maximum number until they are of weanable or self-sufficient age. Section 9.100.070 says no person shall keep any kind of animal without housing it in an appropriate coop, barn, building or other enclosure approved by the city planner, so that it is safe, sanitary and appropriate for its purpose and does not create a nuisance. Under § 9.100.040 an animal not specifically classified in the chapter is classified by the city planner.

Title 10 is short because the city leans on the county. Section 10.05.020 adopts County Code Title 6, as amended from time to time, as the city's Animal Control Ordinance, subject to applicable revisions in California law and the local amendments in Chapter 10.10, and § 10.05.010 defines that title as Sections 6.04.010 through 6.24.100 of the Riverside County Code of Ordinances. Under § 10.10.010, any conflict between Chapter 10.10 and County Code Title 6 is resolved in favor of Chapter 10.10. Title 10 prints no cat license fee, leash rule or feral colony provision of its own.

Two other city sections reach cats. Section 10.10.030 makes it unlawful to leave an animal in an unattended vehicle without adequate ventilation or in a way that subjects it to extreme temperatures that adversely affect its health or welfare, and a peace officer, humane society officer or animal control officer can seize and impound an animal that appears to be suffering if the owner cannot be identified and contacted on initial contact. In city parks, § 11.44.060(A) bars letting any animal loose except a cat led by a cord or chain not more than six feet long.