Eagan, MN Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Eagan's animal ordinance is, in the City's words, an "equal opportunity" ordinance — its at-large rule covers cats as well as dogs, ferrets, and horses. City Code 10.11, Subd. 2 makes it unlawful for the owner of any cat to permit it to run at large. Cats count toward the household pet limit: most households may keep a combined total of three dogs and/or cats over four months of age, and four or more requires a kennel permit under City Code 10.11, Subd. 6. The public-nuisance provisions in Subd. 6 also apply to cats: owners may not permit a cat to habitually make loud or unusual noises, may not permit it to damage or defecate on public property or another person's property, and may not permit cat feces to accumulate on the owner's premises for more than 24 hours. In any city park or recreation area, a cat must be caged or kept on a leash no more than six feet long. The City notes that male cats are known for "singing" and that neutering can reduce nuisance noise. Eagan also requires vaccination and licensing for cats; the animal rules state vaccinations and licenses are obtained at four months of age. The Police Department animal control officer enforces these cat provisions.