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Forsyth County, NC Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Rabies vaccination
Required at 3 months (Sec. 6-25)
Rabies tag
Not required for cats
License
Required (Sec. 6-10)
Running at large
Applies to cats (Sec. 6-13)
Bite quarantine
10-day confinement (Sec. 6-27)

Summary

Cats in Forsyth County must be licensed (Sec. 6-10) and rabies-vaccinated at three months or older (Sec. 6-25). Cats are covered by the running-at-large rule (Sec. 6-13) just like dogs, so owners may not let a cat roam. Cats need not wear a rabies tag, but proof of vaccination is

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Forsyth County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be unlawful for any person having possession, custody, control, or ownership of an animal to fail to provide a current rabies vaccination for any dog, cat, or ferret three (3) months of age or older. Dogs must wear a rabies tag. Cats and ferrets are not required to wear a rabies tag.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Sec. 6-25, it is unlawful to fail to provide a current rabies vaccination for any dog, cat, or ferret three months of age or older; cats and ferrets are not required to wear a rabies tag, but the owner must keep written proof of vaccination. Sec. 6-10 requires every cat owner to license the cat with the Sheriff's Office Animal Services Division. Sec. 6-13 explicitly extends the running-at-large prohibition to cats, so letting a cat roam at large is unlawful. A cat that bites a person is confined ten days for rabies observation (Sec. 6-27). Lost, stray, or unlicensed cats may be impounded (Sec. 6-44) and are microchipped before release (Sec. 6-46).

Violations & Fines

Failure to vaccinate or license a cat, or letting a cat run at large, is a Class 3 misdemeanor, fine up to $500 (Sec. 6-55), with the civil schedule ($50 first offense up to $500 and seizure).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my cat need a rabies shot in Forsyth County?
Yes. Sec. 6-25 requires current rabies vaccination for any cat three months or older. Cats need not wear a rabies tag, but the owner must keep written proof of vaccination.
Can I let my cat roam outdoors?
No. Sec. 6-13's running-at-large prohibition expressly includes cats, so allowing a cat to run at large is unlawful. Stray cats may be impounded and microchipped before release.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Forsyth County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsHeavy RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Brush ClearanceSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Forsyth County rules

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