Elgin, IL Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

04 defines a cat as any animal classified as Felis catus and separately defines a feral cat as one born in the wild, an abandoned domestic cat that is no longer socialized, or a cat living on a farm. 010 expressly carves feral cat caretakers out of the definition of 'owner,' so caring for a colony does not create ownership liability. The city's abandonment definition, which otherwise makes leaving an animal for more than twelve hours without food, water, or shelter unlawful, likewise does not apply to feral cats.

Elgin has no ordinance requiring a general license or leash for pet cats, unlike the license and collar rules that apply to dogs. 160 requires the animal control facility to scan it for a microchip, make every reasonable attempt to reach the registered owner, and give at least seven business days' written notice before disposing of the animal. An owner reclaiming an impounded cat must show proof of rabies inoculation, pay the boarding cost for the impoundment period, and pay for microchipping if the cat does not already have one.

170 lets the shelter offer an unclaimed cat for adoption or transfer it to a licensed rescue group, and it may not release the cat to anyone but the owner unless the cat has been altered and microchipped first. 250 also makes any person responsible for a cat liable for damage the cat causes on another person's property.