Cats in Hamilton County are not required to be leashed, but every cat six months or older must be vaccinated against rabies under Tennessee law. Roaming cats causing a nuisance or found unvaccinated can be impounded by McKamey Animal Center.
Tennessee's rabies law (TCA 68-8-103) makes it unlawful to own or harbor any dog or cat six months of age or older that has not been vaccinated against rabies. Hamilton County and Chattanooga enforce vaccination through McKamey Animal Center, which also handles stray and nuisance cats. Unlike dogs, cats generally are not subject to a leash requirement, but owners remain responsible for nuisance behavior, and free-roaming or feral cats may be trapped and impounded. Managed trap-neuter-return programs operate through McKamey. Owners should keep current rabies certificates and licenses where required and prevent cats from creating sanitation or wildlife nuisances.
Keeping an unvaccinated cat over six months old violates TCA 68-8-103 and can bring citation and impoundment. Nuisance or stray cats may be trapped and taken to McKamey Animal Center, with reclaim fees.
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