Kansas City, MO Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License required at
- 120 days old
- Issuing office
- Commissioner of Revenue
- Prerequisite
- Veterinarian rabies certificate
- Late fee window
- 60 days after due date
- License term
- 1 or 3 years
Summary
Kansas City requires every cat over 120 days old to be licensed through the Commissioner of Revenue, with proof of rabies immunization before a license issues.
It shall be the duty of every person owning, keeping or harboring in the city any dog, cat or ferret over 120 days old to procure a license therefor from the commissioner of revenue or his designee. The receipt issued for the license shall constitute a certificate of registry and evidence of licensure for the keeping of such dog, cat or ferret within the city. The commissioner of revenue may delegate authority to the supervisor of animal health and public safety to enforce any section of this chapter requiring licensure. A late registration fee of as specified in section 14-52 will be assessed for any license not purchased within 60 days of the required date of licensure. No refund will be made for licenses for animals deceased or otherwise removed from the city during a period of licensure.
(Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 6.18; Ord. No. 48707, 6-22-78; Ord. No. 53297, 10-22-81; Ord. No. 65201, 3-1-90; Ord. No. 951372, § 1, 11-9-95; Ord. No. 010616, § 1, 5-10-01; Ord. No. 020731, § 1, 7-18-02; Ord. No. 060086, § 1, 2-2-06)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 139 | Zoning and Development Code: Supplement 38).
Full Breakdown
Owners, keepers, or harborers of any cat (also dogs and ferrets) over 120 days old must procure a license from the Commissioner of Revenue or designee. The license receipt is the certificate of registry. A late fee applies if the license isn't purchased within 60 days of the required date. Before issuing the license, the city requires a veterinarian's certificate showing the cat is immunized against rabies per the NASPHV Compendium. No refund is given if the animal dies or leaves the city during the licensing period.
Violations & Fines
Failing to license a cat over 120 days old, or letting the license lapse more than 60 days, triggers a late registration fee under section 14-52 and is an ordinance violation enforceable by animal health and public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kansas City require cats to be licensed?
Do I need a rabies certificate to license my cat?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kansas City
Compare Kansas City to another location·View the Missouri animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Cat Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle cat rules.