Kirkland, WA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Kirkland treats cats under the same core licensing and health rules as dogs in Chapter 8.09, with several cat-specific triggers. Every cat twelve weeks or older that is 'owned, harbored, kept or maintained in the city' must be licensed and registered with the animal control authority, with the license renewed annually and no proration of fees (KMC 8.09.130(a),(c)). The owner attaches a metal tag to the cat, or, as an alternative, has the cat identified by a tattoo on its right ear or inside right thigh/groin bearing the license number (8.09.130(e)).

Licenses aren't required for cats in the custody of a veterinarian, animal shelter, or animal rescuer, or for a nonresident's cat visiting fewer than thirty days (8.09.140). Every cat six months or older must be vaccinated against rabies under the CDC-referenced Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control (KMC 8.09.502). Keeping four or more adult cats (age six months or older) at one address makes the property a 'cattery' (8.09.120(7)); a noncommercial version kept for showing, breeding for exhibition, or enjoyment of the species needs a hobby cattery license under KMC 8.09.170(a), with the city able to limit cat numbers and require fencing, setbacks, and immunization records based on lot size, zoning, and neighbor impact.

It's also unlawful to sell, give away, auction, or raffle an unaltered cat in a public place (KMC 8.09.410). A pet license may be denied for up to four years, or indefinitely for a felony conviction, if the applicant has an animal cruelty finding under RCW 16.52.205 or 16.52.207 (8.09.130(g)).