Lenexa, KS Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

The Lenexa Governing Body treats cats and dogs alike in Article 3-2-B. Section 3-2-B-1 makes it unlawful to own a cat over six months old unless it is licensed, and the Code defines a cat as a Felis catus six months or more in age (§ 3-2-G-2). Licensed veterinary agencies, animal shelters and kennels are exempt, as are animals temporarily harbored in the City for no more than ten days.

The annual application goes on a City form. It asks for the owner's name, address and telephone number, and for the cat's name, sex, age, breed, color and whether it is spayed or neutered, plus the rabies tag number, its expiration date and the administering veterinarian (§ 3-2-B-2). Section 3-2-B-3 separately requires rabies inoculation by a licensed veterinarian for any dog, cat or ferret over six months, and the owner must show the veterinarian's receipt promptly when the Animal Control Officer asks. The fee is set by separate ordinance or resolution (§ 3-2-B-4). The license year runs January 1 through December 31, and fees are not prorated for a partial year (§ 3-2-B-5). Owners can buy City tags at a participating veterinarian, which can add an administrative fee. The durable tag must be fastened to the cat's collar or harness and worn at all times, it cannot be transferred, and a lost tag is replaced for a fee (§ 3-2-B-7).

The number limit sits in § 3-2-B-8: more than two cats, or more than two dogs, at the same address requires a special pet permit. Animal Control notifies the neighbors, inspects, and issues a written approval, conditional approval or denial. Approved extra animals must be licensed within seven days of the mailing of the notice, and the permit expires each December 31. A denied applicant has ten days to appeal to the Lenexa Municipal Court.

Two more cat rules apply. A female cat in heat must be confined so she cannot contact a male, except for supervised exercise, supervised elimination breaks or planned breeding (§ 3-2-D-4). A cat declared dangerous must stay inside the residential structure at all times and travel to the veterinarian only in a carrier (§ 3-2-D-9).